PALESTINE’S LEGAL SCENE –Issue.229

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

19 – 25 May 2024

Issued every Sunday by Law for Palestine

Prepared by: Razwan Issa, Nour Kharouf, Joman Al Khateeb, Arwa Abdel Moniam

Translation: Sundus AlFararja and Ferdous Abdul Hamid

Editing: Nardeen Khalid

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

• A delegation from the Palestinian National Council participated in the General Assembly meetings of the Mediterranean Parliament, which were held in the city of Braga, Portugal. The meetings concluded with the adoption of a resolution calling for an end to the Israeli aggression on the Gaza Strip. (May 19, 2024)
• The President of the Palestinian National Council described the massacres in the city of Jenin and the Jabalia refugee camp as acts of ethnic cleansing and brutal aggression committed by the Israeli occupation. He attributed these actions to the significant international silence and the support and protection provided by the United States. (May 21, 2024)
• The spokesperson for the Palestinian National Council, Rawhi Fattuh, stated that Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir’s storming of the courtyards of Al-Aqsa Mosque is a violation of international law, an infringement on freedom of worship, and represents a dangerous escalation. He held the Israeli government fully responsible for the consequences. Fattuh emphasized that Al-Aqsa Mosque is a sacred place of worship for Muslims, and any measures taken by Israel as an occupying force are invalid. (May 22, 2024)
• The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates (MOFAE) stated that recognizing the State of Palestine is a practical step to protect the two-state solution, end the Israeli occupation, and enhance the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people. The recognition of Palestine also represents a rejection of the liquidation of the Palestinian cause and the occupation’s attempts to create an unacceptable reality. (May 22, 2024)

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

• In response to the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor’s decision to request arrest warrants for Israeli officials, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated that the outrageous decision made by the Prosecutor against Israel’s democratically elected leaders constitutes a moral violation of historic proportions. He added that this will cast an everlasting mark of shame on the international court. The Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Israel described the decision as morally twisted and “folly of the highest order”. He said that Israel is a democracy with an independent and effective judiciary system, and that it is not a state party to the ICC, and does not recognize jurisdiction over the conflict. (May 20, 2024)
• The Speaker of the Israeli Knesset, Amir Ohana, described the ICC Prosecutor’s decision to issue arrest warrants against Israeli officials as outrageous. He added that the court has proven to the world that it is illegitimate and incapable of distinguishing between the aggressor and the defender. Ohana stated that Prosecutor Khan’s decision will be remembered as the turning point where international legal institutions lost their moral compass and that the decision denies the right to self-defense. (May 20, 2024)
• Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced the cancellation of the Disengagement Law in the northern West Bank. He confirmed that the repeal of the Disengagement Law would extend to all settlements that were evacuated in the northern West Bank. The repeal will allow settlers to return to the four settlements dismantled in 2005: Ganim, Kadim, Homesh, and Sa-Nur in the West Bank. (May 22, 2024)
• The Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Israeli occupation government, Israel Katz, ordered the immediate return of the Israeli ambassadors in Ireland, Norway and Spain to Israel for consultations. This action follows the decision of these countries to recognize the Palestinian state. The Minister stressed that Israel “will not back down against those who undermine its sovereignty and endanger its security,” and added that there would be serious consequences. (May 22, 2024)
• Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich called for immediate punitive measures against the Palestinian Authority in response to Norway, Spain, and Ireland recognizing the State of Palestine. He called for a meeting of the Settlement Planning Council to approve the construction of ten thousand new units in the settlement units and establish new settlements for each country that recognizes Palestine. He also proposed the cancellation of an arrangement known as the ‘Norwegian Outline’ and the cessation of fund transfers to it. Additionally, he ordered the cancellation of permits for senior Palestinian officials and the imposition of financial penalties on them and their families. Furthermore, he decided to halt the transfer of clearance funds and compensate Israeli banks dealing with Palestinian banks until further notice. (May 22, 2024)
• The Knesset passed a preliminary reading of the bill to amend the Negev Development Authority Law, which stipulates “the annexation of lands in the West Bank to Israel, and the south of Hebron is considered part of the Negev.” (May 22, 2024)
• The Knesset approved, in the second and third readings, a law permitting the revocation of licenses or work permits and the confiscation of property for those convicted of transporting, housing, or employing Palestinian workers from the West Bank within Israel under aggravating conditions. The law allows the court to revoke licenses or work permits for up to one year, instead of six months. The law also mandates the court to confiscate property related to the crime or the value of that property, unless there are special reasons preventing it. (May 22, 2024)
• Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that he decided to sever the connection between the Spanish embassy in Israel and the Palestinians and to prohibit the Spanish consulate in Jerusalem from providing service to the Palestinians. This move comes in response to Spain’s recognition of a Palestinian state and the Deputy Prime Minister of Spain’s “anti-Semitic” call not just to recognize a Palestinian state but to “liberate Palestine from the river to the sea.” (May 24, 2024)
• In response to the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) decision to halt the Israeli military operation in Rafah, Israel stated that, “the charges of genocide brought by South Africa against Israel at the ICJ in the Hague are false, outrageous and morally repugnant… Israel has not and will not conduct military actions in the Rafah area which may inflict on the Palestinian civilian population in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part..” Israel also stated its commitment to continuing efforts to enable humanitarian assistance. (May 24, 2024)

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

• The UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Martin Griffiths said that, “If fuel runs out and aid doesn’t reach those in need, the famine we’ve warned about will no longer be looming — it will be present. The consequences will be apocalyptic. The maritime operation is bringing in some aid, but it’s no replacement for land routes.” (May 19, 2024)
• During a joint press conference with the UNRWA Commissioner, Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi reaffirmed that his country will continue providing the necessary support to the agency. He stated that attempts at the “political assassination” of UNRWA have failed, and the accusations leveled against it are “baseless.” Safadi acknowledged that the situation in Gaza remains disastrous, and asserted that the first step is to stop this barbaric aggression against Gaza. He emphasized the need to open all crossings to allow aid to enter and to enable United Nations organizations, most notably UNRWA, to operate freely and without attacks. He condemned the use of starvation as a weapon of war, stating this constitutes a war crime under international law. (May 19,2024)
• The World Food Programme (WFP) is concerned that recent evacuation orders ‒ a sign of expected escalation in fighting ‒ will jeopardize access to West Erez crossing and risk progress made to get more aid into northern Gaza. “We need safe, sustained access into and across Gaza to prevent famine.” (May 19,2024)
• World Health Organization (WHO) Director Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said “Evacuation orders, intensified bombardment, and no passage for aid across Gaza continue to put civilian lives and health at grave risk. Entry of emergency medical teams and medical supplies through the Rafah border crossing into Gaza has been blocked since 6 May. Inside the Strip, supplies of essential medicines and fuel are very low, and movement is limited due to security constraints. We have lost the words to describe the situation in Gaza. It is high time for a ceasefire and peace for the civilians there.” (May 19, 2024)
• The ICC Prosecutor, Karim Khan, has filed requests with the ICC’s Pre-Trial Chamber I for arrest warrants against Hamas leaders Yahya al-Sinwar, Muhammad Deif, and Ismail Haniyeh. The charges include allegations murder as crimes against humanity, and war crimes. The Prosecutor has also sought arrest warrants for Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, accusing them of the war crime of using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare, causing severe suffering, willful killing, and persecution as crimes against humanity. (May 20, 2024)
• In response to the ICC Prosecutor’s request to issue arrest warrants against Hamas leaders and Israeli officials, the German Foreign Ministry affirmed its support for the court and respect for its independence and procedures. Similarly, countries like Chile, France, Spain, Switzerland, Austria, and Belgium expressed support for the ICC’s work, while South Africa, the Maldives, and Slovenia welcomed the decision. Conversely, Hungary criticized the decision, Paraguay expressed regret and concern, and the United States rejected it. The British Prime Minister’s spokesman deemed the decision unhelpful, and the Czech Republic labeled it appalling and completely unacceptable. In contrast, Ireland emphasized the importance of respecting the court’s independence and impartiality, condemning threats against the court and its officials. The High Representative of the European Union stated that all states that have ratified the ICC statutes are bound to execute the Court’s decisions. (May 20, 2024)
• In her briefing to the Security Council, Edem Wosornu, OCHA’s Director of Operations and Advocacy, described the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Gaza, emphasizing the worsening conditions due to ongoing Israeli operations. She highlighted the rising number of casualties and the severe shortage of fuel and supplies, stressing the necessity to protect civilians, meet their basic needs, and facilitate unhindered humanitarian access. She called for adequate funding for UNRWA, along with serious progress towards immediate cessation of military actions and protecting of civilians and humanitarian workers. (May 20, 2024)
• The United Nations Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process, Tor Wennesland, urged the Israeli government and Hamas to redouble all efforts and return to the negotiating table immediately and in good faith. Wennesland affirmed the United Nations’ support for mediation efforts to secure the release of all hostages and establish a ceasefire to provide relief to the civilian population. He added that the failure to reach a ceasefire in Gaza and a large-scale military operation in Rafah exacerbates the risk of escalating regional tensions. He also expressed deep concern about the increasing violence in the West Bank. Wennesland emphasized that further escalation must be avoided and attacks on civilians must stop, including settler violence. (May 20-21, 2024)
• UNRWA stated that more than 810,000 people have fled Rafah in the past two weeks. Every time families are displaced; their lives are put in grave danger. People are forced to leave everything behind in search of safety. The organization added that there is no safe place in the Gaza Strip and stressed the need for a ceasefire now. (May 20, 2024)
• The EU High Representative Josep Borrell stressed the need to end the attacks on healthcare workers, hospitals and ambulances, and condemned the use of hospitals for non-medical purposes. He expressed the European Union’s concern regarding attacks on medical and civilian infrastructure in Gaza and in the West Bank since October 7, 2023. (May 20, 2024)
• The Secretary-General of the Arab League, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, condemned the Israeli occupation’s aggressive military operation in Jenin, which resulted in numerous martyrs and casualties. (May 20, 2024)
• The UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, strongly condemned Israel’s seizure of Associated Press (AP) media equipment, calling it “absolutely shocking.” He emphasized that journalists must be able to carry out their work freely, and demanded that the AP, along with all news organizations, be allowed to operate without any attacks. (May 21,2024)
• Spain, Norway, and Ireland have officially announced their recognition of the Palestinian state. The Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Store confirmed that his country will recognize Palestine as an independent state as of May 28. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez announced that his country will recognize a Palestinian state on the same day. Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris added that Dublin will recognize a Palestinian state, and expressed his expectation that other countries will join this step in the coming weeks. (May 22, 2024)
• The League of Arab States and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation welcomed the announcements by Spain, Ireland, and Norway to officially recognize the State of Palestine. Both organizations called on all countries that have not yet taken this decision to also recognize the State of Palestine. (May 22, 2024)
• Jordanian Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi warned that the situation in the West Bank is on the brink of disaster, and if the conditions there were to explode, the conflict would take on an even more dangerous and severe trajectory. Safadi strongly condemned the incursion of extremist Israeli minister Itamar Ben-Gvir into the Al-Aqsa Mosque, describing it as a violation of international law and a breach of the historical and legal status quo regarding the holy sites. He asserted that Israel is once again reneging on all of its international legal obligations. (May 22, 2024)
• The WFP has warned that the humanitarian operations in Gaza are “dangerously close to collapsing.” It reported that the past two weeks have seen the lowest level of humanitarian goods entering the Strip since December, “making the risk of famine very real.” UNRWA has issued a similar dire warning. They stated that they are “simply unable to distribute food” without access to their distribution centers in Rafah and the delivery of supplies through the southern crossings into Gaza. (May 22, 2024)
• Norway, as well as Germany, confirmed in separate statements that if the ICC issues arrest warrants against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, or leaders of the Hamas movement, and any of them appear on their territory, the competent authorities will abide by the court’s decision and are obligated to arrest them under international law. (May 21-23, 2024)
• Norway’s Foreign Minister said that Norway’s decision, along with Spain and Ireland, to recognize Palestine as a state, came as a “reaction” to the Pro-settlement Policies of the current far-right government in Israel, led by Netanyahu, which showed a lack of interest in negotiations with the Palestinians. (May 21-22, 2024)
• The Permanent Representatives of Jordan, Kuwait, and Slovenia announced the launch of an initiative of shared commitments to the Palestine Refugee Agency (UNRWA). Jordanian Ambassador Mahmoud Daifallah Hmoud told reporters in New York that the initiative had been launched “being aware of the numerous operational, political and financial challenges UNRWA has been facing, especially in the last few months.” (May 22, 2024)
• Irish Prime Minister Simon Harris stated that Europe is on the “wrong side” of history for failing to do enough to stop the bloodshed in Gaza. He said that the objective of his country’s recognition of Palestine was to “breathe life” into the two-state solution which had been all but destroyed or “killed off” in the last 30 years. (May 22, 2024)
• The UN Special Rapporteur on Torture, Alice Jill Edwards, has urged the Government of Israel to investigate multiple allegations of torture and other cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment against detained Palestinians since 7 October 2023. “The Israeli authorities must investigate all complaints and reports of torture or ill-treatment promptly, impartially, effectively and transparently.” (May 23, 2024)
• UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini pointed to the deteriorating situation in the Nur Shams refugee camp in the northern West Bank. The area is subject to regular operations by Israeli forces, destroying homes, the bulldozing of roads, and the dismantling of basic infrastructure. He also pointed out that the activities of Palestinian armed groups further add to the instability. It was stressed that any further escalation in the area and Israeli settlement expansion will further push away from a peaceful solution to this decades-long conflict. UNRWA said: “As one war rages in Gaza, in the West Bank another goes unnoticed.” UNRWA noted that military operations, destruction, movement restrictions, and poverty generate fear, uncertainty, and anxiety among Palestinian refugee communities. (May 23/24, 2024)
• The World Bank has issued its latest update on “The Impact of the Conflict in the Middle East on the Palestinian Economy.” It finds that the fiscal situation of the Palestinian Authority has dramatically worsened in the last three months, significantly raising the risk of a fiscal collapse. Revenue streams have largely dried up due to the drastic reduction in clearance revenue transfers payable to the Palestinian Authority and a massive drop in economic activity. (May 23, 2024)
• The ICJ issued a new Provisional Measures Order following a request made by South Africa. The ICJ ordered Israel to “immediately halt its military offensive, and any other action in the Rafah Governorate, which may inflict on the Palestinian group in Gaza conditions of life that could bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part.” It also directed Israel to “Maintain open the Rafah crossing for unhindered provision at scale of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance” and “to ensure the unimpeded access to the Gaza Strip of any commission of inquiry, fact-finding mission or other investigative body mandated by competent organs of the United Nations to investigate allegations of genocide.” Additionally, the court reaffirmed the necessity of implementing previous orders applied throughout Gaza, including Rafah, and stated that Israel must submit a report to the court within one month detailing the measures taken to comply with the decision, allowing South Africa an opportunity to comment. The court emphasized that its orders for interim measures are binding. (May 24, 2024)
• Brazil, Qatar, Jordan, South Africa, Oman, Egypt, Malaysia, Maldives, UAE, Venezuela, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Chile, Bahrain, Pakistan, Kuwait, and Algeria welcomed the International Court of Justice ruling that ordered Israel to halt its military operations in Rafah. The Prime Minister of Canada emphasized the necessity of halting the military operations in Rafah immediately, reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire and the release of hostages. He stated, “The ICJ’s proposals are binding and we expect everyone to follow them as a matter of international law.” The Belgian Foreign Minister also called for the immediate implementation of the decision. (May 24, 2024)
• According to Axios, Egypt has agreed to resume aid to Gaza through Israel following pressure from the United States, after deliveries were halted two weeks ago in protest of Israel’s takeover of the Palestinian side of the Rafah crossing. (May 24, 2024)
• The UNRWA agency published Report No. 109 on the situation in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. (May 24, 2024)
• Italy has announced that it will resume its funding for UNRWA. It stated that most of the $38 million funding will be allocated for food aid in Gaza. (May 25, 2024)

Publications of human rights NGOs

• Palestinian human rights organizations, including Al-Haq, Al-Mezan, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights, welcomed the ICC Prosecutor’s decision to file applications for arrest warrants for Israeli leaders. The organizations called on the ICC to address other international crimes, such as apartheid and settlement activities, emphasizing the need to issue arrest warrants for all responsible Israeli officials to end impunity and ensure justice for Palestinian victims. (May 20, 2024)
• In a report, B’Tselem indicated that the ICC’s Prosecutor request to issue arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on suspicion of committing war crimes in Gaza signals a message to Israel from the international community that it can no longer maintain its policy of violence, killing and destruction without accountability. The report highlighted that Israeli violence against Palestinians to perpetuate the occupation is “state violence” inherent in Israel’s apartheid system in the West Bank, Gaza Strip, and other areas. (May 20, 2024)
• Qader for Community Development published a report titled: “The Impact of Israeli Aggression on the Gaza Strip on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities: Monitoring Violations, Legal Analysis, Avenues for Accountability, and Effective Remedies.” The report covered Israeli military attacks on the Gaza Strip since 2006, with a focus on the recent aggression since October 7, 2023. It relied on documentation from international investigative committees, United Nations bodies, international, regional, and local independent organizations, as well as a field team operating during the aggression. (May 21, 2024)
• The Associated Press (AP) denounced Israeli officials for confiscating a camera and broadcasting equipment belonging to the agency near Gaza, accusing them of violating the new media law by providing footage to Al Jazeera. It emphasized that the shutdown was not based on the content of the feed but rather an abusive use of Israel’s new foreign broadcaster law by the government. The AP called on Israeli authorities to return the equipment and enable them to reinstate their live feed immediately, enabling them to continue providing important visual journalism to thousands of media outlets worldwide. (May 21, 2024)
• The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate condemned the Israeli occupation army’s confiscation of broadcasting equipment belonging to the US AP from its office near the Gaza border, without prior notice. Under international laws that guarantee freedom of the press and access to information, the syndicate emphasized the agency’s right to continue its work without obstacles. It considered this assault “a new crime against the freedom of the press and international media.” (May 21, 2024)
• The European Jewish Congress criticized the statements of Spanish Vice President Yolanda Díaz, in which she used the slogan “from the river to the sea,” describing them as a “complete disgrace.” It stressed that this slogan “is a clear call for the elimination of Israel, fostering hatred and violence against Jews.” (May 23, 2024)
• The International Centre of Justice for Palestinians (ICJP) has filed a criminal complaint with the British Metropolitan Police alleging potential 22 British government officials’ complicity in aiding and abetting the intentional starvation of Palestinians. The British police stated that they are currently assessing the allegations presented by the ICJP. (May 23, 2024)
• The European Legal Support Center (ELSC), along with Al-Haq, SOMO, and Rights Forum, filed a criminal complaint with the Dutch Public Prosecutor against Booking.com for profiting from war crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories. The complaint accuses Booking.com of facilitating the rental of vacation homes on land stolen from the indigenous Palestinian population in illegal settlements. Profiting from war crimes is illegal under Dutch criminal law. (May 23, 2024)
• Commenting on the ICJ’s decision to halt the Israeli military attack on Rafah, Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders) stated that, “this is another confirmation of how catastrophic the situation is and of the desperate need for humanitarian aid to be scaled up immediately.” MSF highlighted that “the situation in Gaza has never been so dire,” noting that barely any essential humanitarian and medical aid has entered since the beginning of May, leaving hundreds of thousands of people without food, water, shelter, medicine, and hospitals without fuel. The organization called for an immediate and sustainable ceasefire for all of Gaza. (May 24, 2024)
• Amnesty International stated that Israel must comply with the ICJ’s order calling for an immediate halt to military operations in Rafah. The organization emphasized that any military action by Israel could constitute an underlying act of genocide. It noted that the court “exposed the charade of ‘safe zones’ that Israeli authorities have been using to put a veneer of legality on the operations.” Amnesty International highlighted the legal duty of all states to prevent genocide and ensure the ICJ’s provisional measures are duly implemented. (May 24, 2024)
• Palestine Legal published a new report on the post-Oct 7th crackdown on Palestine solidarity in the US. The report shares data showing how repression targeting Palestinians and their supporters are at an all-time high. Palestine Legal received 1,037 requests for legal support in the three months between October 7 and December 31, and 119 other legal questions and inquiries from concerned activists. This is over four times the number of reports the organization received in all of 2022. (May 24, 2024)

Opinion Pieces and features

• Al-Shabaka -The Palestinian Policy Network- published an article by Omar Shaban, entitled: “Rebuilding Gaza: Considerations for a Habitable Future.” (May 19, 2024)
• The New York Times published an opinion article by Prof. David Kaye, entitled: “With I.C.C. Arrest Warrants, Let Justice Take Its Course.” (May 20, 2024)
• Just Security published an analytical article by Prof. Tom Dannenbaum, entitled: “Nuts & Bolts of Int’l Criminal Court Arrest Warrant Applications for Senior Israeli Officials and Hamas Leaders.” (May 20, 2024)
• Mada Masr published an article by Abdel Ghany Sayed, entitled: “Reading the ICC Prosecutor’s statements on Palestine from the Global South.” (May 23, 2024)
• OpinioJuris published an article by Kevin Jon Heller, entitled: “An Overview of the Principle of Complementarity.” (May 24, 2024)
• Foreign Policy published an article by Omar M. Dajani titled “Why the U.S. Should Recognize Palestinian Statehood.” (May 24, 2024)

Research and academic studies (in Arabic and English):

• Ayebawaduanyu Dominion Benjamin and Nse Bassey Etienam, both from the Department of History and Diplomatic Studies at the University of Port Harcourt, have published an article titled: “The Politics of Non-Recognition in International Law: The Palestine Experience” in the latest issue of the Journal of International Relations Security and Economic Studies (Vol. 3 No. 3, 2024).
• Saint Mary’s University recently published an honours thesis by Naza Yammine, titled: “International Law and the Question of Recognition of Palestinian Statehood: A Legal Subaltern Reality.”

Legal Achievements/Impacts for Palestine

• Norway’s second largest asset manager, “Storebrand”, announced divesting their holdings in IBM (worth $141 million) due to their supply of a biometric database to Israel “used to implement apartheid” and  “discrimination and segregation of Palestinians.” IBM is considered a major enabler of Israel’s surveillance and control over Palestinians. The corporation supplies technologies that sustain Israel’s regime of apartheid and Gaza genocide. (May 21, 2024)
• The Academic Senate of the University of Edinburgh in Scotland voted for divestment from Alphabet/Amazon due to their involvement in the dispossession of Palestinians providing Israel’s army with AI technology potentially in use in Gaza. (May 23, 2024)

Upcoming human rights opportunities and events

• The British International Studies Association (BISA) announced the organization of a webinar, titled: “Rapid response webinar – the ICC in Israel and Palestine: Law, politics, and arrest warrants.” It will be held via zoom on May 28. The webinar will focus on recent arrest warrant requests from the International Criminal Court (ICC) against leaders of Hamas and Israel. Additionally it aims to take stock of the complex interactions between various aspects of international law and politics reflected in and likely to stem from these developments. The event will bring together expert participants from across the disciplines of international law and international politics to discuss the ramifications of these events for the parties and institutions involved.