UN Experts Urge Accountability for Israel’s Violations of International Law Amid Gaza Crisis

UN Experts Cite Genocidal Acts and Call for Urgent Accountability Measures.

A group of independent human rights experts has demanded that Israel face consequences for what they described as a deliberate campaign to undermine the international legal framework for the protection of civilians in armed conflicts. Their statement comes as Israel’s military assault on Gaza intensifies, accompanied by forced displacement of its population.

Systematic Violations of International Humanitarian Law

The experts accused Israel of openly defying international humanitarian law, which establishes binding rules to protect civilians and restrict the methods of warfare. "Israel has repeatedly violated these principles, inflicting maximum suffering on civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories and beyond," they said.

Among the alleged violations highlighted by the experts were:

• Crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, sexual violence, and forced displacement.
• War crimes, such as indiscriminate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure, targeting healthcare facilities, and using starvation as a weapon.
• Collective punishment, attacks on journalists and humanitarian workers, and arbitrary restrictions on aid access.

The experts emphasized that the cumulative effect of these actions could amount to genocide, particularly as they target the entire civilian population under Israeli occupation.

Escalation in Northern Gaza

The experts expressed grave concern about the situation in northern Gaza, where Israel’s military operations and siege conditions have reportedly worsened. They noted attacks on shelters, the Kamal Adwan Hospital, and other civilian areas, accusing Israel of violating its obligations as an Occupying Power under international law.

“These measures seem intended to permanently displace the local population and pave the way for annexation, a clear violation of international law,” they said.

Calls for Judicial Action

The experts highlighted decisions by international judicial bodies, including the International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC), which have condemned Israel's actions in the occupied Palestinian territories. The ICJ has declared Israel’s ongoing presence in these territories unlawful and called for binding measures to prevent genocide in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel's Prime Minister and a former Minister of Defense are subject to ICC warrants for alleged crimes.

Despite these rulings, the experts said Israel has faced minimal consequences, attributing this to protection from its allies. They criticized efforts to delegitimize international institutions and obstruct independent investigations into alleged violations of international law.

Urgency of Accountability and Global Implications

The experts warned that Israel’s impunity risks undermining the broader international humanitarian framework. “This sets a dangerous precedent, suggesting that parties in other conflicts may disregard their obligations under international law,” they stated.

To restore the integrity of the multilateral system, the experts called for:

1. Independent Investigations: Thorough and impartial inquiries into alleged violations.
2. Enforcement of Judicial Decisions: Implementation of binding rulings by international courts.
3. Global Accountability Mechanisms: Concrete measures to hold Israel and its leaders accountable.

Expanding Context: Rising Humanitarian Needs

The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached unprecedented levels, with the UN reporting severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. Over 2.2 million people are affected, with displacement exceeding previous conflicts. Aid agencies face constant impediments, exacerbating civilian suffering.

The experts concluded by urging the international community to act decisively to ensure Israel adheres to its legal obligations and to protect civilians in the occupied Palestinian territories. “The failure to hold Israel accountable not only prolongs the suffering of millions but also erodes the foundations of international humanitarian law,” they said.