On the situation in Israel and Palestine

Civil Rights Defenders don’t actively communicate about the situation in Israel and Palestine, as the organisation does not currently operate there. However, Civil Rights Defenders is committed to addressing international core crimes and the upholding of international law. States should support justice mechanisms such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), to ensure accountability and adherence to the international legal order.

The work and communication of Civil Rights Defenders is closely aligned with the needs and priorities of our local partners. Although we do not work in Israel or Palestine, we are deeply aware of the situation and we are profoundly saddened and alarmed by the violence and atrocities that have resulted in thousands of deaths and immeasurable human suffering over the past year. The violence must stop, and the UN Security Council Resolution 2728 (2024) should be adhered to.  

We are also deeply concerned that states have not unequivocally taken a stand for a rule-based order in the protection of the lives and health of civilians. We worry about the implications that this brings for civilians in Israel and Palestine, as well as for civilians in ongoing and future conflicts elsewhere in the world.

Parties to an armed conflict must respect and adhere to international humanitarian law and international criminal law and should be held accountable for violations. In an armed conflict, civilians must not be targeted. Everything possible should be done to safeguard the lives and rights of civilians, including ensuring that they have unimpeded access to humanitarian assistance.

To conduct a systemic or widespread attack against a civilian population or to engage in killing or other acts with the intention to destroy in whole or in part a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group constitute the crimes of genocide and crimes against humanity under international criminal law.

Justice for violations of international law may be delivered by international and independent justice mechanisms, such as the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), established through agreements between a majority of the world’s states.

The investigation by the Office of the Prosecutor of the ICC will be crucial in assessing violations of international law by representatives of the state of Israel as well as Palestinian non-state actors. The ICC has issued warrants of arrest for Benjamin Netanyahu, Yoav Gallan and Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri for crimes against humanity and war crimes. States should express their support for these justice processes, as impunity tends to fuel further violations and undermines the international legal order.

Updated on 25 November 2024.