All articles tagged with #humanitarian law
Ireland and six other European countries condemned Israeli legislation that targets UN aid agencies by cutting essential services, arguing it undermines international law and risks humanitarian crises in Gaza. They called for Israel to allow NGOs to operate freely and respect international humanitarian law, with UN Secretary General Guterres urging the repeal of the legislation.
The ICJ issued a comprehensive advisory opinion affirming Israel's legal obligations as an occupying power and UN member, emphasizing the duty to facilitate humanitarian aid, respect U.N. privileges, and prohibit starvation and forcible transfers in Gaza, highlighting the legal basis for holding Israel accountable for its conduct.
Pope Leo XIV expressed deep sympathy for Gaza's people, called for a ceasefire, release of hostages, and respect for international humanitarian law amid ongoing conflict and intense Israeli military operations in Gaza City.
Pope Leo XIV spoke with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, urging respect for International Humanitarian Law, protection of civilians and sacred sites, and the need for humanitarian aid amid escalating violence in Gaza and the West Bank, while also recalling the tenth anniversary of the Holy See-Palestine agreement.
A tragic Israeli airstrike in Gaza killed a young boy and several others, including children, while they queued for water amid worsening shortages and ongoing conflict, prompting international calls for review of military conduct and an end to the violence.
EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has proposed suspending the EU's political dialog with Israel due to concerns over potential breaches of international humanitarian law in Gaza. This proposal, which requires unanimous approval from all 27 EU countries, is unlikely to pass as several countries have already objected. Borrell's move aims to signal strong concern over Israel's actions in the conflict, which has seen significant civilian casualties. The EU remains divided on the issue, with varying levels of support for Israel and Palestine among member states.
Maj. Harrison Mann, a Jewish American officer with the Defense Intelligence Agency, has resigned from the U.S. Army in protest of the United States' support for Israel, which he claims has led to the killing and starvation of innocent Palestinians. Mann, who served for 13 years and worked in the Middle East bureau, is the first military and intelligence community member to resign over this issue. He criticized Israel's actions in Gaza and the U.S. administration's response, calling for a more humane approach to ensure long-term security for Israel and Jews worldwide.
EU foreign ministers have engaged in significant discussions about potentially sanctioning Israel if it fails to comply with international humanitarian law, following the ICJ's ruling to halt its offensive in Rafah and open the border for humanitarian aid. Irish Foreign Minister Micheál Martin highlighted the consensus on upholding international legal institutions, though noted differing perspectives among member states. The discussions come in the wake of continued Israeli operations in Rafah, including a recent bombing that killed at least 45 Palestinians.
The United States and Israel maintain a strong alliance, with the US providing significant military aid to Israel. Despite some public disagreements over the killing of Palestinian civilians, the US continues to support Israel's actions, including rushing additional military assistance worth $14 billion. The US is seeking congressional permission to secretly approve future sales of military equipment to Israel. While Israeli forces use US-provided weapons to kill Palestinian civilians, resupply flights from the US continue. The Biden administration is now concerned about the reputational repercussions of supporting Israel's indiscriminate attacks on civilians. However, the US-Israel alliance remains intact, prioritizing strategic interests over human rights.