PALESTINE’S LEGAL SCENE –Issue.243
Your weekly survey of the most important publications and activities related to Palestine and law, from local and international sources
25 – 31 August 2024
Issued every Sunday by Law for Palestine
Prepared by: : Razwan Issa, Nour Kharouf, Arwa Abdel Moniam
Translation: Asma Louzon and Ferdous Abdul Ham
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.
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Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by official Palestinian bodies:
- The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates condemned the rise in settler attacks in the West Bank, describing them as part of a genocidal campaign against Palestinians. The Ministry accused Israeli settlers, backed by the far-right, of land theft and expelling Bedouin communities in violation of international law. It criticized the international community’s inaction and called for accountability for the Israeli government, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, urging that ties with Israel be conditioned on halting settlement activities and respecting international law. (August 25, 2024)
- The Palestinian National Council condemned the drone execution of five citizens in the Nur Shams camp as state terrorism and a war crime. It also denounced the settler attack on Wadi Rahal, south of Bethlehem, calling it government-backed terrorism, and held the U.S. fully responsible. The Council urged the international community to punish Israel and called on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take action against the settler militia and their leaders. (August 26, 2024)
- The Palestinian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates warned of the risks from extremist Israeli Minister Ben-Gvir’s threats to establish a synagogue at Al-Aqsa Mosque, seeing it as a push to demolish the mosque for a supposed temple. The Ministry also condemned Israel’s Minister of Heritage for allocating NIS 2 million (about $543,000) to support settler incursions into Al-Aqsa, calling it a colonial policy aimed at dividing the mosque. It criticized Jewish extremists’ incursions, prayers, and dances at Al-Aqsa, warning that these actions could spark regional conflict and undermine international efforts to protect Palestinians. The Ministry urged the international community to act against these practices and pressure Israel to adhere to International Court of Justice rulings. (August 26/27, 2024)
- The Palestinian Ministry of Health warned of the dangers posed by the occupation’s siege of hospitals in Jenin, Tulkarm and Tubas, and its threats to storm them, noting that dozens of patients are being treated in these hospitals and that any incursion could threaten their lives and the lives of medical staff. The ministry called on the international community and the Red Cross to intervene to protect medical institutions. (August 28, 2024)
Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by official Israeli bodies:
- Israeli media revealed that, for the first time, the Israeli government will finance settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque through the Heritage Ministry. The Ministry announced that the government has allocated NIS 2 million to fund Jewish educational tours at Al-Aqsa Mosque/Al-Haram Al-Sharif. It was reported that the funding was secured after the office of Heritage Minister Amihai Eliyahu contacted National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, who intervened to obtain police approval for the funding. (August 26, 2024)
- Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir announced that there should be no discriminatory policy on the Temple Mount (Al-Aqsa Mosque) and that Jewish prayer should be allowed at the site. Ben-Gvir criticized the current status quo that prevents Jewish prayer at the site, claiming that if it were up to him, the Israeli flag would have been raised there a long time ago. He also indicated that he would build a synagogue at the site if possible, although Prime Minister Netanyahu’s office claimed that there is no change in the status quo. (August 26, 2024)
- Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz announced that the Israeli army is intensifying operations in Jenin and Tulkarm to disrupt what he termed Iranian-backed terrorist infrastructure. He claimed Iran aims to create a new front against Israel in the West Bank, similar to Gaza and Lebanon, by funding and arming Palestinians and smuggling weapons through Jordan. Katz emphasized that combating this threat requires measures akin to those used in Gaza, including potentially evacuating Palestinians and taking all necessary actions, framing it as a critical, comprehensive war that must be won. (August 27, 2024)
- The Israeli Ministry of Defense announced that over 50,000 tons of weapons and military equipment have been transferred from the United States to Israel since the war in Gaza began in October, via 500 planes and 107 cargo ships. This equipment includes armored vehicles, ammunition, and personal and medical protective gear, aimed at supporting the operational capabilities of the Israeli army. (August 27, 2024)
- The Israeli Foreign Minister announced that efforts by the European Union’s Foreign Minister and several countries to pass anti-Israel resolutions, including sanctions on Israeli ministers and a unilateral ceasefire, were blocked. He attributed this outcome to intensive political efforts and collaboration with Israel’s allies in the EU. (August 29, 2024)
- The Security Cabinet of Israel voted to support Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s request for the Israeli military to remain in the Philadelphi Corridor as part of any potential ceasefire and hostage release agreement. The Israeli Defense Forces presented maps outlining their planned presence in the nine-mile area, which has U.S. endorsement. The vote was eight in favor, one against, and one abstention, with Defense Minister Yoav Galant voting against and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir abstaining. (August 29, 2024)
Judicial decrees, decisions, positions, and orders issued by Arab, European, and international bodies:
- The Guardian reported that British Attorney General Richard Hermer has intervened in the decision to ban UK arms sales to Israel. He informed the Foreign Office that he will not approve a decision to ban some weapons sales until they can say for sure which could be used to break international humanitarian law. This delay is part of ongoing efforts to differentiate between ‘offensive’ and ‘defensive’ weapons. (August 25, 2024)
- During a call with his Bulgarian counterpart Rumen Radev, Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi emphasized the urgent need to end the tragedy facing the Palestinian people in Gaza. He also highlighted the importance of the international community playing a decisive role in recognizing the Palestinian state. (August 26, 2024)
- Commenting on Israeli Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s remarks about the intention to build a Jewish synagogue inside Al-Aqsa Mosque, the UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, said: “There is a status quo agreed to the parties for the holy sites in Jerusalem that must be respected by all.” He urged adherence to this agreement, in actions as well as public statements, to avoid escalating tensions further. (August 26, 2024)
- The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the statements made by Israel’s far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir regarding the establishment of a Jewish synagogue in Al-Aqsa Mosque. The Ministry described the remarks as a violation of international law and unacceptable incitement that requires a clear international stance to condemn and oppose it. (August 26, 2024)
- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported that most clean water sources in Gaza have been nearly destroyed. The agency stated that Gazans are being stripped of their humanity, with some forced to flee over 15 times without basic necessities. It described this as a systematic process of humiliation, noting that 1.8 million Palestinians are crowded into less than 30 square kilometers in southern Gaza. UNRWA also highlighted that ongoing military operations in Deir al-Balah have reduced the number of operational water wells from 18 to just three, causing an 85% water shortage. The agency reiterated its call for a ceasefire. (August 26/27, 2024)
- Several countries condemned Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir’s statements about building a Jewish synagogue at Al-Aqsa Mosque. Turkey called these remarks a new attempt to alter the status quo and identity of Jerusalem and its holy sites. Bahrain, Qatar, Kuwait, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia also denounced the statements as violations of international law and provocations to Muslims. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Arab Parliament joined in condemning the remarks. (August 26/27, 2024)
- The European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated that “the quick spread of polio threatens all children in Gaza, already weakened by displacement, deprivation and malnourishment.” Borrell also called for “an immediate three-day humanitarian ceasefire to enable vaccination by WHO and UNICEF.” (August 27, 2024)
- Qatar Charity has provided support to UNRWA amounting to $3 million to deliver critical humanitarian aid in Gaza, particularly for the polio vaccination campaign. (August 27, 2024)
- The Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the allocation of funds by Israel’s Minister of Heritage to support settler incursions into Al-Aqsa Mosque, considering it a blatant violation of international law. The Ministry stressed that Al-Aqsa Mosque is an exclusive place of worship for Muslims under the administration of the Jordanian Jerusalem Waqf. It also noted that Jordan will continue its legal efforts to halt these violations. (August 27, 2024)
- British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and Bahrain Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa stressed the urgent need for a ceasefire, the return of hostages, and an immediate increase in humanitarian aid reaching civilians. (August 27, 2024)
- The United States has imposed sanctions on the Israeli NGO ‘Hashomer Yosh’ for providing material support to the settlement outpost ‘Meitarim Farm’ (established on Palestinian land south of Hebron), and to settlers Yinon Levi, Neriya Ben Pazi, and Zvi Bar Yosef. It also announced sanctions on Yitzhak Levi Filant, the civilian security coordinator of the Yitzhar settlement in the West Bank (established on Palestinian land south of Nablus). The U.S. State Department stated that “Extremist settler violence in the West Bank causes intense human suffering …. and undermines the prospect for peace and stability in the region. It is critical that the Government of Israel hold accountable any individuals and entities responsible for violence against civilians in the West Bank”. (August 28, 2024)
- The World Food Programme (WFP) announced a temporary suspension of staff movement across Gaza after a security incident on August 27, where one of its vehicles was shot at near an Israeli checkpoint at the Wadi Gaza Bridge. Despite having the necessary permits, the vehicle was hit by at least ten bullets, but no staff were injured. WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain condemned the attack. (August 28, 2024)
- The UN Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern about the recent developments in the occupied West Bank, including Israel’s large-scale military operations in the Jenin, Tulkarm, and Tubas governorates, which involved airstrikes resulting in casualties and damage to civilian infrastructure. He called for an immediate halt to these operations and urged compliance with obligations under international humanitarian law. The UN statement emphasized the need for all the injured to have access to healthcare and for relief workers to reach all those in need of assistance. (August 29, 2024)
- The UN Human Rights Office condemned the recent Israeli military escalation in the occupied West Bank, highlighting airstrikes on the Nur Shams camp in Tulkarm that killed five Palestinians, including two boys, without any prior confrontation. The Office also condemned settler attacks, including the assault on Wadi Rahal in Bethlehem that resulted in Khalil Salem Khlawi’s death. It criticized the Israeli government’s role in escalating violence and called for compliance with international law, a halt to illegal settlement activities, and protection for Palestinians, including the evacuation of settlers as per International Court of Justice advisory opinion. UN Human Rights Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani emphasized the need for a comprehensive, independent investigation and accountability for those responsible. (August 28, 2024)
- Belgian Deputy Prime Minister Petra De Sutter expressed her full support for imposing sanctions on Israeli ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben-Gvir, in light of the informal meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers. She added that genocidal policies and statements should not go unpunished and called for sanctions to be imposed also on the settlement organizations Amana and Regavim. (August 28, 2024)
- U.S. President Joe Biden announced plans to build a pier off the coast of Gaza to facilitate food delivery, despite objections from aid experts in his administration. The Office of the Inspector General at the Agency for International Development (USAID) reported that the previous similar project encountered security and logistical issues, including adverse weather, and operated intermittently for just 20 days. This project managed to deliver enough aid to feed 450,000 people for one month, falling short of its goal to feed 1.5 million people over three months. (August 28, 2024)
- With support from the Government of Japan, UNICEF distributed 450,000 identity bracelets to children in Gaza to help them stay with their families amid the ongoing war since October 2023. The bracelets contain the children’s names, birthdates, and a phone number of one of their family members, which will help facilitate reunification in case of separation. (August 28, 2024)
- The Arab Parliament, the OIC, and the Arab League strongly condemned the severe military escalation carried out by the occupying forces in West Bank cities, describing it as blatant aggression and a violation of international and humanitarian law. The Arab League held the United States responsible for the escalation of Israeli violence due to its failure to pressure Israel. Both the Jordanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Turkey also condemned the operation, with Turkey labeling it as an extension of genocide policy against the Palestinian people and calling for punitive measures against Israel. Meanwhile, the European Union’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, stated that “the Israeli major military operation in the occupied West Bank must not constitute the premises of a war extension from Gaza, incl. full-scale destruction.” (August 28/29, 2024)
- UNRWA confirmed that 212 of its staff members have been killed since the start of the war on the Gaza Strip. The agency noted information from the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs regarding 16 evacuation orders issued by Israeli forces in August, which severely hindered the humanitarian response in Gaza. It also pointed out that Gaza’s health system is dismantled. The UNRWA Director of Operations in Gaza stated that 2 million Palestinians are confined to a shrinking area referred to as the safe zone, which constitutes only 11% of the Gaza Strip, obstructing the work of humanitarian teams. (August 28/29, 2024)
- The European Union expressed deep concern over the detection of poliovirus in Gaza, calling for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire to ensure vaccination of over 640,000 children under the age of ten. The EU welcomed the delivery of more than 1.2 million oral polio vaccines as well as the cooperation by Israel in delivering the vaccines to Gaza. It also reaffirmed its commitment to providing humanitarian aid, supporting ceasefire negotiations, and ensuring the safety of health facilities during the vaccination campaign. (August 29, 2024)
- Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya stated that the situation in Gaza is extremely dire, adding that civilians are hungry, thirsty, sick, and homeless, and that they have been pushed beyond the limits of endurance and beyond what any human being can bear. In her briefing to the Security Council, Msuya noted that what has been witnessed over the past 11 months—and continues to witness—raises questions about the world’s commitment to the international legal order designed to prevent such tragedies. (August 29, 2024)
- The Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs stressed that it “opposes actions that could fuel tensions in the occupied West Bank, and condemns any attacks on civilians.” (August 29, 2024)
- Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates Ayman Safadi affirmed his country’s support for the move taken by EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell to impose sanctions on radical Israeli officials. Safadi added that sanctions must be imposed and arms sales of weapons to Israel must be stopped, stressing that Israel cannot be allowed to continue violating international law with impunity. (August 29, 2024)
- San Marino’s Foreign Minister, Luca Beccari, confirmed that his country will elevate its diplomatic representation for Palestine as a fundamental step toward recognizing the State of Palestine. (August 29, 2024)
- WFP announced that its operations in Gaza “continue despite immense challenges, growing security risks, and repeated evacuation risks.” WFP noted that “each new evacuation disrupts vital services and delays critical support. The situation is dire—we urgently need a ceasefire to protect aid workers and civilians.” (August 29, 2024)
- WHO Representative in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Rik Peeperkorn, stated that the two-round vaccination campaign in Gaza will begin on September 1st. He added that there is a preliminary commitment with the Israeli military to “area-specific humanitarian pauses” during the vaccination campaign. While WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus welcomed the commitment to humanitarian pauses in the specified areas, he affirmed that the only way to fully protect all the children of Gaza is a ceasefire. (August 29/30, 2024)
- United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, stated that “Israel claims that what it is doing in the West Bank is justified under the law of self-defense. This claim has no validity,” referring to a recent International Court of Justice ruling declaring that Israel’s presence in the occupied Palestinian territory is itself unlawful. Albanese added that Israel’s distortion of the self-defense law must be recognized. She noted that “if Israel truly wants to achieve its claimed security, the best and most obvious way to do that would be to cease its colonization of another people’s land, withdraw from all of it, and make appropriate reparation for damage caused (as requested by the ICJ), while being sure to apologize to its victims on the way out.” (August 30, 2024)
- Spain condemned Israeli military operations in the West Bank and stated that “statements questioning the legal status of the Holy Places in Jerusalem are unacceptable.” France expressed deep concern over the deteriorating situation in the Palestinian territories following the latest Israeli actions, underscoring the obligation to abide by international humanitarian law. France reiterated its call for the swift, unconditional release of all hostages and an immediate ceasefire in light of the humanitarian emergency in Gaza. (August 30, 2024)
- UNRWA reported that only 10 out of its 27 health centers are still operational in Gaza. Meanwhile, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that “more than 150 Palestinian children were killed in the West Bank since the war started on 7 October.” Lazzarini also highlighted that “tens of thousands of people in four refugee camps have been impacted by this operation, including through destruction of public and private infrastructure.” (August 30, 2024)
- The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that “attacks hitting humanitarian personnel and missions are further limiting the delivery of life-saving aid.” The UN Under-Secretary-General for Safety and Security Gilles Michaud highlighted that “humanitarians, including UN personnel, are operating under extreme risk, with the ongoing crisis being the deadliest on record for the UN.” (August 30, 2024)
- United Nations Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories, Francesca Albanese, stressed the need to enforce an arms embargo following reports that the vessel Kathrin, flying with Portuguese flag, is expected to deliver 8 containers of explosives to Israel. She noted that Namibia had denied port access to Kathrin in support of international law, and called on Angola to follow the same example, warning that failure to do so could be a breach violation of the Genocide Convention. (August 30, 2024)
Publications of human rights NGOs:
- 60 global press freedom and human rights organizations, including the International Press Institute (IPI) called on the European Union to take decisive action against Israel for its escalating violations of media freedom and killing of journalists. In a letter addressed to EU leaders, the signatories urge the suspension of the EU-Israel Association Agreement, the imposition of targeted sanctions on Israeli officials, unequivocal pressure on Israel to lift the blockade of journalists, the repeal of legislations preventing foreign media access, and the cessation of other violations. (August 26, 2024)
- The Palestinian Journalists Syndicate mourned Ali Taaimah, who was killed in an Israeli bombardment of al-Mawasi Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, raising the number of journalists killed to 163. The Syndicate confirmed that Taaimah, who worked as a cameraman for Awdah TV, was directly targeted while performing his duties. (August 26, 2024)
- Amnesty International revealed a new investigation highlighting the Israeli forces’ failure to take all possible precautions to avoid or minimize harm to civilians sheltering in displacement camps during two attacks targeting leaders and fighters of Hamas and Islamic Jihad in southern Gaza Strip in May. The attack likely did not distinguish between civilians and combatants, with one being disproportionate. Amnesty International added that both attacks must be investigated as war crimes. (August 26, 2024)
- Human Rights Watch published a report documenting the arbitrary detention of Palestinian healthcare workers in Gaza by Israeli forces since the hostilities began in October 2023, with the workers being deported to detention centres in Israel, where they were subjected to torture and ill-treatment. The report emphasized that these practices have contributed to the catastrophic deterioration of the healthcare system in besieged areas. The organization called for a thorough investigation into the torture and ill-treatment of doctors, nurses and medical assistants, and make an adequate punishment, including by the ICC. (August 26, 2024)
- Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) stated that displaced persons are struggling without sanitation in Khan Younis, with many forced to move within minutes following Israeli forces’ evacuation orders. Many of them have been displaced several times. The organization stressed the need for an immediate ceasefire. (August 27, 2024)
- Jewish Voice for Peace Health Advisory Council called on the U.S. Congress to secure a seven-day ceasefire in Gaza to facilitate a comprehensive polio vaccination campaign. The Council also called for a permanent ceasefire, an end to U.S. military aid to Israel, the entry of humanitarian aid, and the rebuilding of destroyed infrastructure. (August 27, 2024)
- Al Mezan Center for Human Rights published a report stating that the Israeli army issued five new displacement orders between August 16 and 25, targeting Deir al-Balah and its surrounding areas, which were previously classified as a “humanitarian safe zone.” The report stressed that the establishment of these areas reveals a pattern of genocide, aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians to areas lacking basic services such as food, water, electricity, and health facilities. With minimal humanitarian aid available, the Center called on the international community to take immediate action to stop the genocide, impose sanctions, and impose a two-way arms embargo on Israel. (August 27, 2024)
- The Palestinian NGO Network warned that the invasion launched by the occupation forces in the northern West Bank is a prelude to imposing the occupation’s sovereignty and implementing the plan of forced displacement and open war of extermination. The Network further stressed that the large-scale military operation aims to separate the Palestinian governorates and change the demographic situation in the West Bank. (August 28, 2024)
- American Muslims for Palestine (AMP) expressed outrage at the Israeli military incursion, which it described as the largest in the West Bank since 2002. The organization stated that this incursion is part of a broader campaign of violence, where more than 650 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank since October 2023, including assaults involving the siege of hospitals and the killing of civilians. It considered Israeli actions as part of a broader strategy of ethnic cleansing and illegal occupation. It called on the U.S. administration and Congress to hold Israel accountable and to halt military aid to it. (August 28, 2024)
- Amnesty International stated that Israel’s recent large-scale military attack on cities and towns across the occupied West Bank comes amid a rise in unlawful killings by its forces, which will further endanger Palestinians. The organization highlighted a drastic increase in unlawful killings and displacement of Palestinians. Amnesty International called for measures to protect healthcare facilities and workers. (August 28, 2024)
- In response to allegations that Binance froze Palestinian funds at the request of the Israeli authorities, the company’s CEO, Richard Teng, said that these allegations are based on “fear, uncertainty, and doubt”. He claimed that the actions taken by the company only involved accounts linked to illicit funds and were part of routine compliance practices, not targeted actions. (August 28, 2024)
- 7amleh – the Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media published a study by researcher Saeed Abu Mualla, entitled: “Digital Security Among Palestinian Youth in Israel: A Study on Threats and Challenges in Light of the War on Gaza”. The study addressed the threats and challenges faced by Palestinian youth in Israel in the field of digital safety during the war on Gaza, which led them to avoid digital activity and online participation. (August 28, 2024)
- Al Mezan Centre, Al-Haq, and the Palestinian Center for Human Rights (P.C.H.R) published a report on the large-scale Israeli military attack on the northern governorates of the occupied West Bank. The report warned of the statement made by the Israeli Foreign Minister who announced Israel’s intention to use “the same design” with the refugee camps in the northern West Bank, as it did with Gaza. It noted that the Israeli military attack on the northern West Bank governorates must be viewed in light of Israeli intentions to permanently remove Palestinians and re-establish Israeli colonial settlements instead. It called for the imposition of a mandatory, comprehensive, two-way military embargo against Israel. (August 28, 2024)
- Americans for Peace Now (APN) issued a statement supporting the U.S. government’s imposition of new sanctions on extremist Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. The organization urged the U.S. State Department to continue its investigations into these violent settlers and their organizations and to impose further sanctions, which should also include the leaders of the settlement movement. (August 28, 2024)
- Amnesty International has urged EU foreign ministers to take action ahead of their meeting in Brussels, following the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion on July 19, 2024. The organization emphasized there can be “no business as usual” with Israel, calling for policies to end Israel’s violations of international law. It criticized the EU for supplying Israel with arms and equipment, as well as trading with illegal Israeli settlements, pointing out that the EU’s calls for a ceasefire and reducing settler violence are meaningless without concrete action. (August 28, 2024)
- The Union of Teachers and Employees at Birzeit University in Ramallah, Palestine, issued a statement demanding the release of Khalida Jarrar, a researcher and lecturer at the university, who was transferred to solitary confinement by the Israeli authorities. The Union pointed to the harsh and inhumane conditions of her detention and stressed that this was part of a broader genocidal campaign against the Palestinians. (August 29, 2024)
- The Diakonia International Humanitarian Law Centre published a new study titled “Unlawful Incarceration: Legal Analysis of Israel’s Military Detention Regime”. (August 30, 2024)
Opinion Pieces and features:
- Haaretz published an opinion piece by Gideon Levy titled “It’s Ideology That Drives Netanyahu, Not Just Power.” (August 25, 2024)
- Mondoweiss published an opinion piece by Malak Hijazi titled “Ceasefire negotiations as a weapon of war.” (August 25, 2024)
- Wired published an article by Paresh Dave titled “Israel Is Buying Google Ads to Discredit the UN’s Top Gaza Aid Agency.” (August 26, 2024)
- Opinio Juris published an article by Shlomo Levin titled “As Rapidly as Possible’: What Exactly Did the ICJ Say Israel Must do?” (August 26, 2024)
- Middle East Eye published an article by Azad Essa titled “Pomp, pageantry and protests: How the DNC snubbed pro-Palestine activists.” (August 27,2024)
- Wattan News Agency published an opinion piece by Ihsan Adel titled “Why should Palestinian journalists engage in the global legal battle for justice?” (August 28, 2024)
- Mondoweiss published an opinion piece by Jonathan Ofir titled “The main suspect in the Sde Teiman gang rape case is now a media star in Israel.” (August 28, 2024)
- PassBlue published an article by Anton Ferreira titled “A Movement to Suspend Israel From the UN Needs a Country to Take the Lead.” (August 28, 2024)
- Middle East Eye published an article by Christian Henderson titled “How Israeli genocide in Gaza exposed the West’s liberal delusion.” (August 28, 2024)
- EJIL: Talk! published an article by Marko Milanovic titled “A Hypothetical Scenario on Illegal Occupation” (August 28, 2024)
- Al-Shabaka published a research paper by researcher Fathi Nimer titled “Food Sovereignty in a Palestinian Economy of Resistance,” discussing the role of Palestinian farmers in resisting settler colonialism and the challenges faced by the Palestinian economy due to the colonial “development” policies imposed by the Israeli occupation. It introduced the concept of “food sovereignty,” which focuses on the right of peoples to independently and sustainably determine their food and agricultural systems. (August 28, 2024)
- The Palestine Chronicle published an article By Ramzy Baroud titled “Israel vs. International Law – Why Erdan Wants to Destroy the UN.” (August 28, 2024)
- +972 published an article by Oren Ziv titled”‘If you try to defend yourself, you’re dead’: A West Bank village’s night of terror.” (August 29, 2024)
- Al Jazeera published an article by Samer Jaber titled “The West Bank: Israel’s other genocidal war in Palestine.” (August 29, 2024)
- Lawfare published an article by Gabor Rona titled “The Illegality of Israeli Settlement Real Estate Sales.” (August 29, 2024)
Legal Achievements/Impacts for Palestine:
- Namibia blocked a vessel carrying weapons of mass destruction destined for Israel from entering its waters. Justice Minister Yvonne Dausab issued directives to the relevant authorities to prevent the vessel “MV Kathrin” from docking in the country’s ports, stating that the decision aligns with Namibia’s stance in support of Palestine and its rejection of Israeli genocide and violations, and is consistent with Namibia’s obligations under international law. She urged other countries, especially African countries, to take similar steps in support of the Palestinians. (August 27, 2024)
- The General Medical Council in the United Kingdom rejected a request from UK Lawyers For Israel (UKLFI) to suspend the medical practice of Palestinian-British Dr. Ghassan Abu Sittah, Director of the International Center for Justice for Palestinians (ICJP), claiming that his social media posts undermined his professional fitness. The Interim Orders Tribunal rejected these claims, citing no evidence of risk to patients. (August 27, 2024)
Human rights conferences and events:
- A global group of Jews issued a call against what they described as genocide in Gaza, noting that civilians in the Strip, including elderly, women and children, are being killed daily by Israeli forces targeting schools, hospitals, and refugee camps. They accused the occupation of organizing famine and causing deterioration of health conditions. The signatories rejected the use of anti-Semitism to justify crimes, and demanded a ceasefire, sanctions on Israel, and holding war criminals accountable.