UN says Israel must comply with ICJ measures to prevent genocide
A UN official on November 8th called on Israel to “fully and immediately” comply with ICJ provisional measured issued in January demanding action to prevent genocide in Gaza, as reported by the Arab News.
UN high commissioner for human rights Volker Turk also called on states to honour their obligations under international law and “assess arms sales or transfers and provision of military, logistical or financial support to a party to the conflict, with a view to ending such support if this risks serious violations of international law.”
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His warning comes as a new report by his office published on November 8th warned that “if committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group, (Israel’s violations) may constitute genocide.”
After considering a case brought by South Africa accusing Israel of genocide the ICJ ruled back in January on provisional measures. These ordered Israel to take action to prevent and punish the commission of, or the incitement to commit, genocide, to end the indiscriminate killing of Palestinians, and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza immediately.
Turk said it was now “even more critical and urgent” for Israel to comply with the ICJ ruling in light of the new report, which goes into detail about the “horrific reality that has unfolded for the people of Israel and Gaza since 7 October 2023.” It concludes by demanding justice for those wo have committed violations of international law.
Turk said recent events including Israel’s operations in the north of Gaza and its banning of UNRWA make the ICJ measures more pertinent than ever.
“It is essential that there is due reckoning with respect to the allegations of serious violations of international law through credible and impartial judicial bodies and that, in the meantime, all relevant information and evidence are collected and preserved,” said Turk.
The new report covers violations of international law that occurred from November 2023 to April this year, including the killing of civilians and breaches of international law that it said could amount to war crimes.
“If committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack directed against a civilian population, further to a State or organizational policy, these violations may constitute crimes against humanity,” the report states.
Turk voices support for the work of accountability mechanisms like the International Criminal Court in relation to the situation, for the exercise of universal jurisdiction to investigate and try crimes under international law in national courts, and for countries to comply with extradition requests.
The report highlights Israeli officials making statements calling for the destruction of Gaza an the removal of its population, and documents attempts by Israel to “rationalize discrimination, hostility and violence towards, and even the elimination of, Palestinians.”
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It shows how civilians have borne the brunt of the violence, including through the “complete siege” in the wars initial stages to the “unlawful failures” by Israel to allow aid in, to the destruction of civilian infrastructure and to the mass displacement of Palestinians.
“This conduct by Israeli Forces has caused unprecedented levels of killings, death, injury, starvation, illness and disease,” the reports says, adding that Hamas and other Palestinian outfits have also committed violations of international law.
“The rules of war, in force now for 160 years, were designed to limit and prevent human suffering in times of armed conflict,” Turk said. “Their wanton disregard has led to the current extremes of human suffering which we continue to see today.”
“It seems inconceivable that the parties to the conflict refuse to apply universally accepted and binding norms developed to preserve the very bare minimum of humanity.”
Arab News, Reuters
