As we approach the European elections, it is crucial that our agenda prioritizes justice, rights, and the restoration of the power of human rights, international law, and humanitarian law.
There’s no excuse for last night’s horrors in Gaza, and global outrage must turn into action. It's our job to amplify the voices of civilians—children, women, the elderly, the disabled, the wounded, and humanitarian workers—caught in this deadly game with no safe zones in Rafah or Gaza. As researchers, legal experts, and humanitarians, we must not only fill squares and streets but also provide solid evidence and promote a culture of justice, truth, dignity, and human rights rooted in conventions, data, and investigations.
Recently, I was invited by students in university encampments to share my experiences as a humanitarian. This made me reflect on the importance of not only voicing firsthand experiences but also connecting the dots, looking into history, building on achievements, and not forgetting. Remember the International Criminal Tribunal after Yugoslavia? I was a teenager then, and all those atrocities were merely covered on the other side of the Adriatic Sea and the UN peacekeeping mission was deployed without sparing criticism around the massacre of Srebrenica- although many survivors said that it would have been worse without them. Years later the head of state, Milosevic, was charged with war crimes.
Yet, today, while the big players negotiate post-war peacekeeping and reconstruction, when is their responsibility to take all the necessary steps for ensuring a peacekeeping mission now: ceasefire, negotiations, and adopting resolutions. It’s easier to discuss future investments while funds meant for immediate humanitarian aid are hindered by politics.
Denouncing is not enough; we must demand justice, accountability, and the rule of law. Spread the culture of rights by highlighting violations. In 2021, a formal investigation into alleged war crimes in occupied Palestinian territories was launched. Recently, Karim Khan sought an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu over Gaza’s conflict.
According to the Rome Statute, several acts currently happening in Gaza constitute war crimes, including and not limited to:
Intentionally directing attacks against civilians or civilian objects (Article 8(2)(b)(i) and (ii))
Attacks on schools and hospitals (Article 8(2)(b)(ix))
Intentionally launching attacks knowing they will cause excessive incidental civilian loss (Article 8(2)(b)(iv))
Depriving a population of humanitarian aid (Article 8(2)(b)(xxv))
"We pulled out people in an unbearable state," Mohammed Abuassa said to the Guardian about the Tel al-Sultan scene. "We pulled out children in pieces. Young and elderly. The fire in the camp was unreal."
Attacks on schools and hospitals and denial of aid are already two of the six grave violations against children in Palestine. After the Rafah strike criticism, the IDF claimed they didn’t anticipate civilian casualties, yet contradicted their own "safe zone" maps.
Global shock must translate into action as this conflict reshapes global politics. Recognise the State of Palestine, as Spain, Norway and Ireland did today, re-establish the rule of law, and ensure accountability.
According to UNICEF Situation Report as of the 22nd May, more than 800,000 people were recently displaced from Rafah and 100,000 from the north.The Rafah border closure since 7 May 2024 hampers aid delivery amidst security and access challenges. Here some key figures:
· 3.3 million people need aid nationally (OCHA Flash Appeal, April 2024)
· 1 million children affected in Gaza (PCBS, 2023 projections)
· 1.7 million internally displaced (UNRWA, 18 March 2024)
· 483 damaged schools (86% of all schools in Gaza) (Education Cluster, 25 April 2024)
· 95% of Gaza faces acute food insecurity (IPC Phase 3 or worse, March 2024)
· 203 humanitarian workers killed as of April 2024 (UN press)
· 31,184 Palestinians killed and 72,889 injured (local health authorities, as of March 2024, UN Turkey)
The scenes in Israel and Gaza mark a new chapter in the Middle East conflict, with devastating consequences likely to shape our future as well. This is the time for informed advocacy—based on evidence and a thorough understanding of the Rome Statute and other international conventions—to hold governments accountable and ensure justice prevails.
Z.Liew
Comments