New York: A panel of independent human rights experts from the United Nations has called for Israel to face repercussions for its alleged systematic undermining of international legal frameworks designed to protect civilians during armed conflicts. The experts released a statement on Monday, demanding accountability for actions they claim inflict severe suffering on civilians within the occupied Palestinian territories and beyond.
According to Palestine News and Information Agency – WAFA, the UN experts accused Israel of openly defying binding international humanitarian laws that safeguard civilian objects. They cited grave allegations, including crimes against humanity such as murder, torture, sexual violence, and forced displacement. The experts also highlighted alleged war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilian populations and essential civilian infrastructure, the weaponization of starvation, and attacks on healthcare and humanitarian workers. They further accused Israel of arbitrary restrictions on humanitarian aid and targeting journalists, labeling these acts as collective punishment and perfidy.
The experts emphasized the need for political and judicial bodies to assess these actions against the civilian population under Israeli occupation, who are considered protected persons under international law. They warned that acts aiming for their destruction could be genocidal. The situation in northern Gaza, in particular, drew their concern, where they claimed Israel violated its responsibilities as an Occupying Power by intensifying siege conditions and targeting shelters and hospitals.
The experts pointed to the International Court of Justice’s stance, which deems Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territories unlawful and has imposed provisional measures to prevent genocide in Gaza. They noted that despite this, Israel has not faced significant consequences, attributing this to support from its allies who allegedly undermine international institutions and discredit UN mandate-holders.
The statement concluded with a call for independent investigations into serious violations of international law, warning that Israel’s impunity could set a dangerous precedent globally. The experts stressed the importance of maintaining the integrity of the multilateral system to hold Israel and its leaders accountable for their actions.