World
December 5, 2024 11:20
tel aviv - Israel is facing increasing international criticism following a new report by Amnesty accusing the country of genocide in Gaza. Find out how Israel is responding to these accusations.
Amnesty alleges that the massacre on October 7 does not justify Israel's actions in Gaza, nor the fact that terrorists hide among the civilian population. Amnesty director Agnès Callamard stated, 'Our damning findings should serve as a wake-up call for the international community: this is genocide. It must stop now.'
Israel is coming under fire from international bodies accusing it of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Gallant. Israel has appealed this decision as it does not recognize the court.
Meanwhile, Israel is being brought before the International Court of Justice, where South Africa has accused the country of genocide. This is a serious accusation as Israel is accused of seeking the destruction of the Palestinian people. This places the conflict in Gaza on par with events such as the genocide in Rwanda.
Israel argues that Hamas committed a genocidal act on October 7 and that it has since engaged in a lawful struggle, making efforts to protect civilians and abide by international law. Israel claims to have facilitated the delivery of large amounts of food and humanitarian aid, a claim disputed by the UN and aid organizations, with the United States also raising concerns.
Most Western countries criticize Israel but do not consider it guilty of genocide. This view is shared by Alice Wairimu Nderitu, the UN Special Adviser for the Prevention of Genocide. The Wall Street Journal reported that her UN contract will not be renewed as she refuses to label Israel's military campaign as 'genocide.'
The slew of accusations is having a significant impact on Israel, with concerns within the military that soldiers and officers who served in Gaza could face prosecution abroad. The issuance of arrest warrants by the ICC has raised fears of such persecution.
The military recently warned about thirty soldiers and officers not to travel abroad for fear of prosecution. Pro-Palestinian organizations have filed complaints against Israeli soldiers based on their own social media posts. Eight soldiers traveling abroad were called back, some reportedly in the Netherlands.
Reservists in Israel are advised to consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before traveling, fearing that national courts may act based on the ICC's recent actions. Israel believes the court will not take action against 'regular' soldiers and officers but potentially against figures like military leader Herzi Halevi in the future. Israel has hired lawyers in dozens of countries to monitor the safety of Israeli soldiers overseas.
In Belgium, a complaint has been filed against Israel's new military attaché in Brussels, Moshe Tetro, formerly responsible for coordinating humanitarian aid to Gaza. He is accused of intentionally starving the Palestinian population, a claim Israel denies, citing Tetro's diplomatic immunity.