The violence and systematic targeting of civilians in Gaza has led to the global debate over whether Israel’s actions amount to war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Over the past 19 months, Israeli military operations have resulted in more than 53,000 Palestinian deaths, with a significant number being women and children.
Since the onset of the Gaza War following the October 7th, 2023, Operation Al-Aqsa Storm, the international community grapples with the human rights implications. The scale and nature of the actions taken during this period have led to intense scrutiny and debate over whether these constitute war crimes or crimes against humanity.
Escalating Humanitarian Catastrophe
Over the past 19 months, Israeli military operations have resulted in more than 53,000 Palestinian deaths, with a significant number being women and children. The destruction of infrastructure has led to a collapse of essential services, including healthcare, water, and electricity. Hospitals are overwhelmed, and there is a severe shortage of medical supplies and personnel. The blockade has restricted the entry of humanitarian aid, exacerbating the dire conditions.
Systematic Abuses
Reports have emerged detailing systematic abuses by Israeli forces, including the use of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinian detainees. The UN’s Independent International Commission of Inquiry has documented instances of rape, sexualized torture, and other forms of abuse, suggesting these acts are part of a broader strategy of domination and dehumanization.
Forced Displacement and Aid Manipulation
Human Rights Watch has criticized Israel’s plans to concentrate the Palestinian population into designated “humanitarian zones,” arguing that such actions amount to ethnic cleansing and could be considered acts of genocide. The UN has also condemned Israel’s restriction of humanitarian aid, warning that the blockade could constitute a war crime by facilitating forced displacement.
Calls for Accountability
The international community has responded with increasing alarm. Countries like the UK, France, and Canada have suspended trade talks and are considering sanctions against Israel. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has labeled Israel’s aid blockade as “completely unacceptable,” emphasizing the need for democratic nations to uphold international law.
International Legal Actions
In November 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, citing charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including the use of starvation as a method of warfare and targeting civilians. These charges are the first in its kind – the first time leaders of a Western-backed democracy have faced such indictments.
Conclusion
The cumulative evidence of widespread civilian casualties, systematic abuses, and deliberate obstruction of humanitarian aid has led many international observers to classify Israel’s actions in Gaza as not only war crimes but also crimes against humanity. The ICC’s ongoing investigations and the global outcry underscore the urgent need for accountability and the protection of human rights in conflict zones.