In the heart of the recent Israel-Palestine escalation, the humanitarian crisis is unfolding in Gaza, where thousands of innocent lives are at stake. With relentless Israeli bombing in the besieged Gaza Strip, at least 6,747 Palestinians have been killed, most of whom are women and children. Israel's casualties are also heavy, with more than 1,400 killed during the past three weeks. People in Gaza now have nowhere to go due to the Israeli blockade. Gaza is on its knees as the entire system collapses.
International Humanitarian Law Violations in Gaza
International humanitarian law must be upheld in times of conflict, as it is not, and can never be, optional. Since October 7, we have witnessed a massive list of violations of IHL.
Under the Geneva Convention relative to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War, everyone is entitled to protection, including civilians, prisoners of war, journalists, paramedics, aid workers, the wounded, and even the dead. But we have been witnessing an alarming counter-trend. We see a disregard for the rules and principles of basic humanity and a failure to uphold the sanctity of human life.
Israel's actions appear to be driven by a desire for vengeance, and the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) assertion that \"Hamas is responsible for EVERYTHING that happens in Gaza\" suggests a disregard for the laws of war. The international law enshrined at the core of the Geneva Conventions categorically prohibits all types of collective punishment. \"Israel's actions have exceeded the scope of self-defense,\" said Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Chinese foreign minister.
The devastating bombing of al-Ahli Arab Hospital in Gaza, which killed nearly 500 civilians, provoked many nations and organizations to denounce Israel's actions as a \"massacre,\" and a blatant \"violation of international humanitarian law.\"
The Israeli strikes have affected civilian-populated areas and protected locations, including hospitals, refugee camps, mosques, educational facilities, and entire neighborhoods. Many of these attacks appear indiscriminate, and IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed on October 10 that \"the emphasis is on damage and not on accuracy.\"
Witnessing the situation in Gaza, three crucial steps are an immediate ceasefire, uninterrupted and unhindered humanitarian access, and accountability for violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) committed by all parties to the conflict.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
