PALESTINE’S LEGAL SCENE –Issue.252

Your weekly survey of the most important publications and activities related to Palestine and law, from local and international sources

27 – 2 Oct/Nov. 2024

Issued every Sunday by Law for Palestine

Prepared by: Razwan Issa, Nour Kharouf, Arwa Abdel Moniam, Kamal Abdulkarim

 Translation: Um Kulthoom Sharif and Mai Shaheen

Editing: Haneen Shaath

This weekly report reviews the legal dynamics of the Palestine question, and everything related to international law and Palestine. The report includes an account of the most important publications, activities and conferences related to Palestine at the local, regional, international levels. The report further covers decisions, decrees, and judicial orders affecting the Palestinian cause, whether made at the official, academic or public levels. The report aims to be a reference for monitoring, documenting and archiving the latest human rights developments related to Palestine, and to present them to individuals, researchers, study centers, and official, academic and legal institutions concerned.

To view this Issue of Palestine’s Legal Scene, please click here (5 minutes read)

Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by official Palestinian bodies:

• The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates stated that the Palestinian people, as victims of the Israeli occupation, are also victims of international double standards and the failure of the international community to respect and ensure the implementation of international legitimacy resolutions. The ministry emphasized that international silence, or merely issuing demands and appeals to the Israeli government, has become a cover for the occupation to implement its plans and commit its crimes, with the aim of turning the Gaza Strip into an unlivable area and emptying it of its inhabitants. The ministry highlighted the suffering of Palestinian women in the occupied territories one year after the start of the genocidal war. It called for the implementation of the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) advisory opinion. (October 26-27, 2024)
• The Commission of Detainees and Ex-Detainees Affairs and Palestinian Prisoner’s Society issued a statement confirming the repeated attacks by the Israel Prison Service against Palestinian prisoners and leaders of the prisoners’ movement. The latest incident involved an attack by the Prison Service’s repression units on September 9, 2024 on prisoner Marwan Barghouti. President Mahmoud Abbas strongly condemned the violations against Palestinian prisoners in the context of the comprehensive war being waged by Israel against the Palestinian people. Palestinian National Council Chairman Rawhi Fattouh called on international human rights organizations and the Red Cross to intervene immediately and put pressure on the occupation to abide by the Geneva Convention on the treatment of prisoners and protect them as freedom fighters. (October 27-28, 2024)
• The Palestinian presidency warned of the repercussions of Israeli legislation targeting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), stressing that it constitutes a violation of international law and a provocation to the entire international community. The presidency emphasized that UNRWA is a red line, and that the refugee issue represents the core of the Palestinian issue, stating that a just solution cannot be reached without addressing the refugee issue in accordance with the resolutions of international legitimacy and international law. The presidency also condemned the Israeli occupation’s escalating crimes against Palestinian and Arab journalists. (October 28, 2024)
• The Palestine National Council condemned the bloody massacre committed by the Israeli occupation forces as part of a policy of genocide and forced displacement against the Palestinian people, which resulted in killing more than 60 people, most of whom were children, women, and the elderly, as a result of a brutal bombing of a residential building in the Jabalia refugee camp. The council pointed out that this massacre occurred amid the prohibition of medical teams from working and the destruction of the only hospital in the area, which exacerbated the number of casualties. The council’s chairman called for Israel to be expelled from the United Nations, urging UN member states to convene an emergency session to take urgent action against Israel. (October 29, 2024)
• The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates strongly condemned the campaign of instigation against the United Nations and its staff, including the Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, emphasizing that Israel seeks to dismantle the UN and undermine its work with the aim of exterminating the Palestinian people. The ministry also warned of the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a law banning foreign missions in Jerusalem, considering it part of a colonial policy aimed at Judaizing the city. It stressed the need for the international community to take action to stop such legislation, calling on countries to fulfill their obligations. (October 30, 2024)
• The Palestine National Council affirmed that the executions and assassinations occurring in the cities and camps of the West Bank, including the recent bombing of a number of civilians in the Nur Shams camp by a drone, constitute state terrorism and a war crime. It further held the U.S. administration directly responsible for this war, stressing that the Palestinian people are being exterminated with U.S.-made weapons that are internationally banned. (October 31, 2024)
• The Palestinian Minister of Health, Majed Abu Ramadan, announced the start of the third phase of the second round of the emergency polio vaccination campaign for children under the age of ten in the Gaza Governorate. The minister confirmed that the ongoing Israeli aggression in northern Gaza and the prevention of medical teams from completing the third phase of the vaccination campaign has currently limited the campaign to Gaza Governorate, with an announcement about the vaccination schedule for northern Gaza to be made later. (October 31, 2024)

Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by official Israeli bodies

• Israel’s National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir called on Israel’s Prime Minister and coalition members to support the law for the deportation of the families of attackers, which was introduced by the Jewish Power Party (Otzma Yehudit). He claimed that this is the only way to defeat terrorism. (October 27, 2024)
• The Knesset Plenum approved, in second and third readings, a bill that prohibits UNRWA from operating representative offices, providing services, or conducting any activities, directly or indirectly, within the sovereign territory of the State of Israel. (October 28, 2024)
• At the ‘Middle East Summit’ in Jerusalem, Israel’s Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich announced his call for the annexation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip and the expansion of Israeli settlements deep into Palestinian areas. He stated that Palestinians who support the establishment of a Palestinian state should be forced to emigrate to Arab countries. He emphasized that the presence of Israeli civilians in Gaza is important for Israel’s long-term security. (October 28, 2024)
• The Israeli Knesset House Committee approved two laws: the first allows the deportation of family members of “terrorists” if they had prior knowledge or showed support or encouragement for terrorist acts, with a limit of seven years for Israeli citizens and ten years for residents of the occupied territories. The second law amends the Basic Law defining Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, stipulating that no consulates or diplomatic missions may be established in Jerusalem, except for embassies, in order to strengthen Israeli sovereignty over the city. (October 29, 2024)
• After statements made by Haaretz publisher Amos Schocken during a conference in London attended by media and human rights NGOs, where he called for sanctions against Israel and its leaders due to Israeli violations in Gaza and the West Bank under international law, describing Palestinian fighters as “freedom fighters” and the aggression in Gaza as a “second Nakba,” Israel’s Justice Minister Yariv Levin called for issuing a censorship bill to criminalize any support for international sanctions on Israel or its leaders, security personnel, and citizens. Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich stated that those who support sanctions against Israel and its leaders and refer to Hamas as “freedom fighters” are inciters and supporters of terrorism, claiming they have crossed the boundaries of free speech. He also declared a cessation of all communications between his ministry and Haaretz. Transportation Minister Miri Regev instructed her ministry and all affiliated companies to cut ties with the newspaper, affirming that such statements won’t go unpunished. The Minister of Construction and Housing, Yitzhak Goldknopf, took similar action. (October 31 – November 1, 2024)

Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by Arab, European, and international bodies:

• Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Joyce Msuya, stated that “what Israeli forces are doing in besieged north Gaza cannot be allowed to continue.” She pointed out the bombing of hospitals, the detention of healthcare workers, and the separation of families, along with the forced transportation of men and boys in trucks. She emphasized that “such blatant disregard for basic humanity and for the laws of war must stop.” (October 26, 2024)
• Foreign ministers from Canada, Australia, France, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and the United Kingdom have expressed grave concern over legislation currently under consideration by the Israeli Knesset, aimed at revoking the privileges and immunities of the UNRWA, forbidding any contact between Israeli state entities, officials and UNRWA, and prohibiting any UNRWA presence within Israel. They stressed the importance of allowing UNRWA to continue its humanitarian work and urged the Israeli government to abide by its international obligations. (October 26-27, 2024)
• The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed his shock  at the harrowing levels of death, injury and destruction in northern Gaza, emphasizing that “the plight of Palestinian civilians trapped in North Gaza is unbearable.” He pointed out that the Israeli authorities continue to deny repeated efforts to deliver humanitarian supplies essential for survival, putting the lives of thousands at risk. He underscored that the parties to the conflict must respect and protect civilians. The Secretary-General stated that Israel’s military operations in north Gaza have resulted in widespread devastation and deprivation, adding that “this conflict continues to be waged with little regard for the requirements of international humanitarian law.” He reiterated his call  “in the name of humanity” for an immediate ceasefire. (October 27, 2024)
• In a statement, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that the Israeli Knesset’s vote against UNRWA is “unprecedented and sets a dangerous precedent. It opposes the UN Charter and violates the State of Israel’s obligations under international law.” He added that this vote is “the latest in the ongoing campaign to discredit UNRWA and delegitimize its role,” which will only deepen the suffering of Palestinians and amount to collective punishment. He emphasized that “putting an end to UNRWA and its services will not strip Palestinians from their refugee status.” (October 28, 2024)
• South Africa filed its Memorial to the ICJ, presenting additional facts and arguments to prove that Israel is committing the crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip. This includes promoting the destruction of Palestinians living in Gaza, physically killing them with a variety of destructive weapons, denying them access to humanitarian aid, creating living conditions aimed at physically destroying them, ignoring and defying several provisional measures of the ICJ, and using starvation as a weapon of war. (October 28, 2024)
• The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs warned that people in northern Gaza are in urgent need of life-saving assistance, stating that Israeli authorities have denied additional requests for the entry of food and fuel for water facilities in the Jabalia area. The World Health Organization (WHO) also warned that people in northern Gaza are being deprived of life-saving care. (October 28, 2024)
• UNICEF Communication Specialist, Rosalia Bollen, said the ongoing violence in northern Gaza has disrupted a critical phase of the polio vaccination campaign, putting nearly 120,000 children at severe risk if they do not receive the second dose before mid-November. She stated that this is a risk not just to children aged ten and below, but also to children in the larger region. (October 28, 2024)
• The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, released her new report to the UN General Assembly, stating that Israel is committing “settler-colonial genocide” against Palestinians. Albanese stated that what is happening in Gaza is not happening in a “vacuum, but is part of a long-term intentional, systematic, State-organized forced displacement and replacement of the Palestinians.” She affirmed that “this ongoing genocide is doubtlessly the consequence of the exceptional status and protracted impunity that has been afforded to Israel.” Albanese urged Member States to intervene now to prevent new atrocities that will further scar human history. (October 28, 2024)
• The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed concern regarding the laws adopted by the Israeli Knesset to ban UNRWA, warning that this would prevent the agency from continuing its essential work in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. He called on Israel to act consistently with its obligations under the Charter of the United Nations and international law, stressing that “National legislation cannot alter those obligations.” He added that he is bringing this matter to the attention of the UN General Assembly, noting that “There is no alternative to UNRWA” to provide support and assistance to Palestinian refugees. (October 29, 2024)
• The UN Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, emphasized the need for a ceasefire before the UN Security Council. He urged all parties to engage constructively in urgent diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and avoid an endless spiral of death and destruction. He warned that “We are witnessing not only a horrific humanitarian nightmare, but a rapidly accelerated unraveling of the prospects for a sustainable resolution to this conflict.” The Special Coordinator stated that the rights of Palestinian refugees were set out in a General Assembly resolution that predates the creation of UNRWA. He added that banning UNRWA not only undermines United Nations’ mandated work, but threatens to further set back a political resolution on the basis of UN resolutions and international law. (October 29, 2024)
• Norway has requested the UN General Assembly to seek an advisory opinion from the ICJ regarding Israel’s potential violations of international law by obstructing the delivery of humanitarian aid to Palestinians under occupation. This initiative has gained support from several countries and UNRWA. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide stated that Israeli policies hinder Palestinians’ access to essential aid and services, emphasizing that restricting UNRWA’s operations is contrary to international law and impedes efforts to achieve a two-state solution. (October 29, 2024)
• The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Palestinian territories occupied since 1967, Francesca Albanese, expressed deep concern over the ongoing attacks on United Nations premises, which have resulted in killing over 200 UN staff in less than a year, as well as the parliamentary legislation banning UNRWA, which she views as “a fatal intolerable blow for the UN Charter.” She stated that these actions aim to accelerate the erasure of Palestinian presence and called for this affront to mark the beginning of the end of Israel’s impunity. (October 29, 2024)
• The governments of Spain, Slovenia, Ireland, and Norway have strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of legislation that prevents UNRWA from operating in the occupied Palestinian territories. They stated that this legislation sets a dangerous precedent that affects the work of the United Nations and multilateral organizations. These countries reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring UNRWA can continue its operations. France also condemned this move and expressed its support for the agency. Additionally, the Turkish Foreign Ministry stated that this action represents a clear violation of international law and aims to prevent Palestinian refugees from returning, emphasizing that the international community has a legal and moral duty to take a strong stance against it. (October 29, 2024)
• Egypt, Malaysia, Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Portugal, Bolivia, and Russia have condemned the Israeli Knesset’s decision to pass a law that bans UNRWA from operating, which severely limits its ability to support Palestinians in the occupied territories. The Egyptian Foreign Ministry stated that this move is part of a long series of Israeli violations of international law and reflects an unacceptable disregard for the international community and the United Nations. The Malaysian Foreign Ministry described this action as part of the Israeli regime’s strategy to erase the issue of Palestinian refugees, putting 5.9 million Palestinians at risk. Meanwhile, the Russian Foreign Ministry stated that the approval of the bill constitutes a violation of international law, UN General Assembly resolutions, and the UN Charter, and is inconsistent with the conditions for Israel’s accession to the United Nations. (October 29-November 1, 2024)
• The UNRWA USA National Committee (UNRWA USA) unequivocally condemned the Israeli Knesset’s appalling vote to ban the UNRWA from operating in Israel  and to declare the agency as a “terror group.” The Committee called on the United States and the international community to take immediate action to protect the humanitarian operations and prevent the bill implementation. (October 29, 2024)
• The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, strongly condemned Israel’s bill to ban UNRWA’s activities, which provide essential educational and healthcare services to over 5.5 million Palestinian refugees. He described this decision as a confiscation of the future for millions of Palestinians and as part of an ongoing Israeli strategy aimed at undermining the agency’s role and destroying its international reputation. Aboul Gheit urged the member states of the Security Council to stand against this dangerous move, warning that humanitarian efforts in Gaza would completely collapse if UNRWA were banned. In a similar statement, the Arab Parliament also condemned this action. (October 29-31, 2024)
• Members of the Security Council emphasized the vital role of UNRWA in providing life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees. They urged the Israeli Government to abide by its international obligations, and facilitate unhindered humanitarian assistance  in the Gaza Strip. (October 30, 2024)
• Saudi Arabia called for holding a joint Arab-Islamic follow-up summit on November 11, 2024 in the Kingdom to discuss the continued Israeli aggression on the Palestinian territories, in addition to the current developments in the region and their serious repercussions on security and stability. The summit will be held as an extension of the joint Arab-Islamic summit held in Riyadh on November 11, 2023. (October 30, 2024)
• The Jordanian Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s targeting of a residential building in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, emphasizing that the ongoing Israeli violations reflect a global failure to enforce international law effectively. The ministry also condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a law preventing the opening of diplomatic missions for the State of Palestine in occupied East Jerusalem, asserting that all Israeli actions aimed at altering the demographic composition and character of the occupied Palestinian territories are null and without legal effect. (October 30, 2024)
• During the High-Level Meeting of the Global Alliance for the Implementation of the Two-State Solution, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini expressed grave concern over the Israeli Knesset’s vote against UNRWA, considering it “a dangerous precedent” aimed at delegitimizing its role in providing human-development and assistance to Palestinian refugees. He noted that the Israeli government seeks to end UNRWA’s operations, which will deepen the suffering of Palestinians and erode hopes for a two-state solution. Lazzarini called on the international community to use all political and diplomatic tools to support UNRWA. (October 30, 2024)
• France condemned the Israeli strike on a building in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, as well as Israeli strikes on hospitals in the northern part of the strip. It called for the immediate lifting of the blockade on northern Gaza and for the reopening of all crossings to allow safe and extensive delivery of humanitarian aid. France reiterated the urgent need for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the release of hostages. (October 30, 2024)
• The foreign ministries of France, Germany, and the United Kingdom called for the urgent renewal of Israeli-Palestinian correspondent banking services for a period of at least one year. They emphasized that failure to renew would completely suspend cross-border trade, which would be catastrophic for the Palestinian economy, endanger regional security, and harm businesses on both sides. The ministries urged the Israeli government to renew indemnifications without delay, in line with their obligations under the Paris Protocol. (October 30, 2024)
• The Permanent Representative of Norway to the United Nations, Ambassador Merete Fjeld Brattested, stated that “The entire population of northern Gaza is at risk of dying.” She referred to the ICJ Advisory Opinion and Israel’s obligations under it, noting that “the violations of international law have continued, with increasing severity.” She stressed that Israel’s continued presence in the occupied Palestinian territories is illegal and must be brought to an end. (October 30, 2024)
• The United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) warned of a worsening reproductive health crisis in northern Gaza, noting that attacks on hospitals, including Kamal Adwan Hospital, have led to the closure of neonatal intensive care units, making it much harder for about 4,000 pregnant women in the area to access maternity care services. It highlighted increasing reports of maternal deaths during or shortly after childbirth, while others are giving birth alone without any medical care. The agency stressed that its humanitarian response relies heavily on its partnership with UNRWA, which has been essential for relief efforts in Gaza for the past seventy years. (October 31, 2024)
• The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) organized a briefing for member states titled “International legal responsibilities for preventing genocide, holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable, and for ending the unlawful occupation of Palestine.” Participants stressed the importance of all member states supporting accountability measures for crimes committed by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories, including through the imposition of sanctions and arms embargoes. (October 31, 2024)
• The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in the occupied Palestinian territories (OCHA) issued a weekly Humanitarian Situation Update in the West Bank, noting that Israeli settlers perpetrated about 70 attacks against Palestinians, resulting in casualties and property damage. The office documented nearly 270 settler-related incidents ​​between 1 and 28 October, affecting Palestinians and their property in about 110 communities across the West Bank. (October 31,2024) 
• The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) released a statement on the Israeli legislation on UNRWA, emphasizing that it is “the backbone of the humanitarian response in Gaza.” The Statement noted that the Secretary-General has confirmed that “there is no alternative to UNRWA.” It warned that full implementation of this decision would have dire consequences. (October 31, 2024)
• The WHO condemned the Israeli forces’ attack on Kamal Adwan Hospital, which caused damage to its health services and injuries to its medical staff, stressing that the health situation in northern Gaza is “appalling.” WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus also announced the resumption of the polio vaccination campaign in northern Gaza following a humanitarian pause in the area. He noted that the campaign’s coverage would be substantially reduced compared to the first round of vaccinations, leaving some children unprotected and at higher risk of infection. (October 31 – November 1, 2024)
• The United Nations Inter-Agency Standing Committee issued a statement urging Israel to stop the assault on Palestinians, humanitarian aid teams, and civilian infrastructure in the Gaza Strip, noting that “The entire Palestinian population in North Gaza is at imminent risk of dying from disease, famine and violence.” The committee described the situation in northern Gaza as “apocalyptic” due to the ongoing Israeli blockade for nearly a month. It emphasized the need for immediate, unhindered humanitarian access and stated that there is no alternative to UNRWA. (November 1, 2024)
• Congresswomen Cori Bush, Rashida Tlaib, along with other members of Congress, led a letter to President Joe Biden questioning the involvement of the U.S. Armed Forces in the Israeli government’s expanding regional war across the Middle East. They cited comprehensive intelligence sharing and operational coordination, and the direct deployment of U.S. service members to Israel, in violation of Article I of the Constitution and the War Powers Resolution of 1973. The lawmakers asked President Biden for a detailed account of the United States military’s involvement to “command, coordinate, participate in the movement of, or accompany” in the ongoing conflicts. (November 1, 2024)
• Japan’s Ambassador to the State of Palestine, Yoichi Nakashima, stated that Japan is considering recognizing the State of Palestine to achieve peace and stability in the region. He emphasized that Israel’s unilateral actions impede the establishment of a Palestinian State. Nakashima also criticized Israel’s attacks on international organizations, stressing Japan’s support for UNRWA, its backing of the ICJ Advisory Opinion, and the importance of returning Palestinian funds withheld by Israel. (November 1, 2024)
• The High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated that the future of UNRWA is a test of our humanity, underscoring the agency’s indispensable role in providing essential services. He stressed that a comprehensive political settlement is needed to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, adding that UNRWA’s mission will end once a sovereign Palestinian state, coexisting peacefully alongside Israel, is established. (November 1, 2024)

Publications of human rights NGOs:

• Human Rights Watch (HRW) called on world leaders to act urgently to protect UNRWA from the unprecedented and dangerous attacks it faces from the Israeli government. It considered these actions taken by the Israeli government are part of the wider strategy to delegitimize UNRWA, discredit its reputation for supporting Palestinian refugees, and undermine the international legal framework that protects their rights, including the right of return. (October 26, 2024)
• The Journal published a report indicating that the American tech company Red Hat, which has a branch in Ireland, took down information from the ‘Success Story’ section of its website that referred to its collaboration with the Israeli military. The company explained to the newspaper that its Irish workforce is not involved in any work with the Israeli military, but it did not provide a clear reason for removing this information from the website. Mary Lyng, the Ireland-Palestinian Solidarity Campaign (IPSC) south east chairperson, stated that Red Hat’s removal of this information in response to pressure amounts to hiding “evidence” and burying “head in the sand.” (October 27, 2024)
• The Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR) condemned the Israeli Occupying Forces (IOF) raid on Kamal Adwan Hospital in Beit Lahia, north Gaza, forcing it out of service and risking the lives of patients, injured, and medical personnel. PCHR asserted that IOF’s repeated and ongoing attacks fall under the genocide committed against the people of the north of Gaza (October 27, 2024)
• Oxfam Regional Director in the Middle East and North Africa, Sally Abi Khalil, stated that “Israel has bombed Palestinians to death, maimed them, starved them, and is now ridding them of their biggest lifeline of aid.” She noted that “Israel is systemically dismantling Gaza as a land that is autonomous and liveable for Palestinians.” Regarding Israel’s ban on UNRWA, she commented that this decision “will further undermine the ability of the international community to provide sufficient humanitarian aid and to save lives,” resulting in more death, more suffering, and more forced displacement.” (October 28, 2024)
• A group of more than 1,000 writers and publishing professionals pledged in a letter to boycott Israeli cultural institutions that “are complicit or have remained silent observers of the overwhelming oppression of Palestinians,” including Israeli publishers, festivals, literary agencies, and publications that are “complicit in violating Palestinian rights.” (October 28, 2024)
• Fifty-two international organizations issued an urgent global call to world leaders for immediate diplomatic action to prevent the advancement of Israeli legislation aimed at halting UNRWA operations in the occupied Palestinian territories. They urged opposition to Israel’s illegal actions and support for the UN General Assembly’s resolution requesting an advisory opinion from the ICJ. (October 28, 2024)
• The Badil Resource Center for Palestinian Residency and Refugee Rights issued a new position paper titled “The Gaps and Failures of the ICJ’s 2024 Advisory Opinion on Palestine.” The paper examines what it considers the failure of the ICJ to significantly raise the legal threshold for practically and effectively holding the Israeli regime accountable. (October 28, 2024)
• The Palestinian Return Centre (PRC) condemned the Israeli legislation banning UNRWA, calling on Israel’s allies who opposed the ban to impose sanctions on Israel and embargo arms. The Australia-Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) also condemned the ban, urging the Australian government to sever all diplomatic and economic relations with Israel, impose immediate sanctions, and officially support Israel’s expulsion from the UN General Assembly. J Street President Jeremy Ben-Ami stated that “Blocking aid and effectively criminalizing aid agencies at this acutely grave moment is inexplicable – morally and strategically,” urging the U.S. administration to pressure the Israeli government before the law goes into effect. Additionally, Americans for Peace Now (APN) condemned the bill, stating that “only a negotiated peace process will resolve final status issues such as the rights of Palestinian refugees.” The organizations Al-Haq, Adalah, Badil, and PCHR, issued statements regarding the UNRWA ban and its legal and humanitarian implications. (October 28-29, 2024)
• The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor issued a statement on the horrific massacre committed by the Israeli army in Beit Lahia, in the northern Gaza Strip, stating that along with the occupying state, those nations who provide the Israeli army with weapons or keep quiet about its crime of genocide must also be held accountable. (October 29, 2024)
• 7amleh – The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media issued a report titled “Gaza Telecommunications Infrastructure: Assessment to Damages and Humanitarian Impact,” highlighting the extensive damage inflicted on the communications sector in Gaza due to the ongoing Israeli war. (October 29, 2024)
• Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) condemned the Israeli Knesset’s decision to ban UNRWA, considering it a devastating blow to Palestinian lives that deepens the humanitarian catastrophe, as more than half of Gaza’s population relies on UNRWA’s essential services. It called for an immediate international intervention to pressure Israel to allow unhindered access to humanitarian aid, implement a ceasefire, and bring to an end the current campaign of destruction in Gaza. Secretary-General of Amnesty International, Agnès Callamard, stated this law constitutes an assault on the rights of Palestinian refugees and aims to criminalize humanitarian aid, noting that this decision contradicts the ICJ Advisory Opinion. (October 29-30, 2024)
• The Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention responded to U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Linda Thomas-Greenfield’s attack on the UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, arguing that this criticism is intended to hide the “criminal complicity” of the United States in “ongoing genocide.” The Institute noted that this attack seeks to draw attention away from the material aid provided to Israel by the ​​ambassador’s office, Biden White House, State Department, Department of Defense, in committing “genocide.” (October 30, 2024)
• The Palestinian environmental grassroots and civil society organizations called on all civil society organisations at COP29 and around the world to mobilise urgently to impose an energy embargo on Israel to stop the genocide in Palestine and put an end to Israel’s apartheid, illegal occupation and ecocide. The organizations emphasized that Israel finances its military operations through imported energy supplies, particularly oil and gas from Azerbaijan and Turkey. They demanded a cease on sale and/or transport of energy supplies to Israel, warning that the supply of dual-use products makes states complicit in genocide. (October 30, 2024)
• Mondoweiss published a report featuring testimonies from northern Gaza showing that Israel is using facial recognition technology to organize mass arrests and forcible displacement. Some Palestinians stated that the technology is also being used to carry out field executions. (October 31, 2024)
• In a letter addressed to the Director-General of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC), over 100 BBC employees accused the organization of providing favorable coverage toward Israel over its reporting on Gaza. They called on the broadcaster to “recommit to fairness, accuracy, and impartiality.” The letter also urged the BBC to report “without fear or favour,” including reiterating that Israel does not give external journalists access to Gaza and ensuring that headlines reflect Israel’s responsibility for ongoing actions. (November 1, 2024)
• The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate (PJS) reaffirmed its determination to continue its efforts in international forums to prosecute and hold those responsible for killing Palestinian journalists accountable. It called on the UN Secretary-General to issue a resolution to protect journalists in line with Security Council Resolution 2222. It reported that the Israeli occupation forces killed 174 journalists within a year in Gaza, which is more than double the annual global average of journalist killings. The syndicate also issued an urgent appeal to legal and human rights organizations to join an international coalition to hold those responsible for killing journalists accountable. (November 2, 2024)

Research and academic studies (in Arabic and English):

• Academia published a study by the researcher Mehmet Şükrü Güzel titled “The Forgotten Legal Status of the City of Jerusalem According to the United Nations Charter.” The study provides a legal critique of UN Security Council Resolution 242, noting that requiring Israel to withdraw only from territories it occupied after the 1967 war granted it an illegal right to occupy the territories of the State of Palestine and the city of Jerusalem. This legal error led to the international community wrongly accepting Israel’s pre-1967 borders as legal, creating a dual legitimacy for the occupation and complicating the existing legal dispute. The study calls on the United Nations to correct this situation by obligating Israel to withdraw completely from all occupied territories in accordance with General Assembly Resolution 181, stressing that Jerusalem enjoys UN protection according to the UN Charter, and retains its status as a separate entity with the legal right to act as a permanent observer state in the organization. (2024)

Opinion Pieces and features:

• The New Arab published an article by Naser Adnan Thabet titled “Palestine’s ‘Official Seat’ in the General Assembly: Dimensions and Aspirations.” (October 27, 2024)
• Law for Palestine published an article by Saul Takahashi titled “The Need for Accountability: Israel Must Be Expelled from the United Nations.” (October 28, 2024)
• The New Arab published an analytical article by Jessica Buxbaum titled “What’s behind Israel’s long-running campaign to dismantle UNRWA?” (October 28, 2024)
• Haaretz published an opinion titled “The Real Goal of the New Legislation Put Forward by Israel’s Far-right Coalition.” (October 28, 2024)
• The Foreign Affairs published an article by Marwan Muasher titled “The Case for a New Arab Peace Initiative: A Focus on Palestinian Rights Must Come Before Negotiations Over a State.” (October 29, 2024)
• Palestine Media Agency published an article in French titled “Israeli army joins settler war to displace Palestinian Bedouins.” (October 29, 2024)
• Middle East Eye published an article by Nicola Perugini titled “Israel is at war with the UN. It is time to revoke its membership.” (October 30, 2024)
• Arab News published an article by Daoud Kuttab titled “Why Israel’s UNRWA ban may backfire.” (November 2, 2024)

Upcoming human rights opportunities and events:

• The Jerusalem Fund announced its 2024 annual conference titled “Gaza Genocide and the Continuation of the Nakba,” to be held on November 8, 2024, from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM at the Jerusalem Fund Center in Washington, D.C. The conference will feature discussions on genocide and the Nakba, the role of Palestinian unity in mobilizing efforts for liberation, and the critical role of media in enabling genocide.
• The Arab Organization for Human Rights in the UK (AOHR UK) announced its intention to hold a webinar titled “Justice and Humanity Under Threat: Israeli Campaigns Targeting the ICC and UNRWA,” scheduled for Monday, November 4, 2024, at 5:00 PM London time. The event will discuss the threats facing the International Criminal Court (ICC) and UNRWA, the role of Western governments, and strategies to protect aid channels, highlighting the complaint submitted to the Dutch judiciary concerning Mossad’s threats against ICC officials.
• European Legal Support Center (ELSC) announced an event titled “Solidarity in Action: Meet and Support the Lawyers Fighting Anti-Palestinian Repression,” on November 18, 2024, from 6:30 PM to 8:30 PM Eastern European Time (EEST), at the Columbia Global Center in Amman.
• Balfour Project announced an online webinar titled “The role of non-violent resistance for Palestinians in the light of the Gaza war,” to be held on November 14, 2024, at 3:00 PM UK time. The webinar will feature international human rights lawyer, Jonathan Kuttab, co-founder of Nonviolence International and the Palestinian human rights group Al-Haq, for discussion and insights. To register, click here.