PALESTINE’S LEGAL SCENE –Issue.265

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

 26 Jan – 1 Feb 2025

Issued every Sunday by Law for Palestine

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

 Translation: Mai Shaheen and Mays Abu Atwan

Editing: Nardin 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:

• Palestinian Minister Mohammad Mustafa stresses the importance of the international community supporting the government of the State of Palestine in implementing the emergency relief and early recovery plan, which is essential for the reconstruction of the Gaza Strip without delay. He explained that the international response to these efforts aligns with international law and supports peace as well as the principle of the two-state solution (January 26, 2025)
• The Palestinian presidency has strongly denounced any plans to displace Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, and stressed that the Palestinian leadership and its people outrightly reject any policies threatening the unity of the Palestinian land in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank including East Jerusalem. The presidency described said policies as “a blatant violation of the red lines we have repeatedly warned against”, as it would result in destabilising the region, undermining security, and jeopardising the sovereignty of the State of Palestine and neighbouring Arab States. The presidency has affirmed the readiness of Palestine to assume its full responsibilities in the Gaza Strip, and continue its efforts towards achieving just and lasting peace in line with the two-state solution. (January 26, 2025)
• The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in the State of Palestine, in observing the upcoming Al-Isra and Al-Miraj occasion, warns of Israel’s agendas at relentlessly Judaising occupied Jerusalem, including its Christian and Muslim holy sites. It called on the international community to assume a collective responsibility to safeguard Al-Aqsa Mosque from the encroachment of the Israeli occupation forces (IOF) and settlers. The Committee has warned against Israel’s annexation, settlement, forced displacement and destruction of the occupied West Bank, affirming that the occupation army’s actions in the city of Jenin and its camp is a step in its larger campaign of oppression. The Committee added that “the West Bank has effectively been transformed into a large open-air prison, with hundreds of military checkpoints and gates restricting movement.” (January 26, 2025)
• The Palestinian MOFAE strongly condemned the incursion by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz into the Jenin refugee camp, describing his inflammatory statements and insistence on maintaining occupation forces in the area as a serious escalation and a blatant violation of signed agreements. The Ministry emphasized that this incursion reflects the ongoing policy of extermination, displacement, and annexation. It pointed out that more than 80% of the camp’s residents have been displaced, water supplies to the city have been cut off, homes and mosques have been destroyed, infrastructure has been vandalized, and hospitals have been besieged and disrupted. The Ministry called on the international community, particularly the U.S. administration, to intervene immediately to stop the Israeli escalation. (January 29, 2025)
• The Palestinian MOFAE urged those who support the Israeli decision to close the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) to commit to ending the occupation, implementing the two-state solution, and ensuring the right of return for refugees to their homes. It affirmed that stopping UNRWA’s work would effectively liquidate the Palestinian cause. (January 29, 2025)
• The Palestinian MOFAE strongly condemned the Israeli Knesset’s approval of a draft bill  allowing settlers to purchase Palestinian land in the West Bank, considering it a step toward intensifying Israel’s encroachment on the West Bank. ( January 29, 2025)

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

• In response to U.S President Donald Trump’s statements on “cleaning out” the Palestinians from the Gaza Strip and deporting them to Egypt and Jordan, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, has described said statements as “out-of-the-box thinking” for achieving peace and security, and affirmed that “The idea of helping them [Palestinians] find other places to start a better life is a great idea. After years of glorifying terrorism, they will be able to establish new and good lives in other places,”. Smotrich vowed to implement Trump’s plans and is developing an operational plan with the Israeli Prime Minister and Cabinet to serve such interests. Former Israeli Minister of National Security, Itamar Ben -Gvir, also welcomed Trump’s initiative. (January 26-27, 2025)
• The Israeli Knesset’s Ministerial Committee for Legislation has approved a new bill allowing Israeli settlers to purchase land in the occupied West Bank without restrictions or oversight. The legislation, which will be presented for its first reading in the Israeli parliament, aims to remove legal barriers that previously prevented settlers from directly acquiring real estate, based on the Jordanian law still in effect in the West Bank. Notably, while Jordanian law prohibits settlers from purchasing land in the West Bank, an Israeli military order issued four years after the occupation of the territory enabled settlers to acquire land indirectly through companies registered with the Civil Administration in the West Bank. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich welcomed the decision, describing it as a law that corrects a historical injustice and allows Jews to purchase land and officially register it as property in Judea and Samaria (the West Bank). (January 26-27, 2025)
• Former Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has criticised the opening of the Netzarim road and the return of tens of thousands of Gazans to the northern Gaza Strip, calling it a “humiliating part of the reckless deal.” He stated, “This is not what complete victory looks like, but what complete surrender looks like.” Ben-Gvir urged Israel to resume the war saying, “We must return to war – and destruction!” (January 27, 2025)
• Israeli officials have confirmed that Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff, met with Israeli Prime Minister to discuss the possible outlines for the deportation of Gazans. They claimed that the US administration is serious about this idea. (January 30, 2025)
• Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has vowed that the Israeli military will maintain its presence in the Jenin refugee camp and “will not return to be what it was.” Katz stated that Israel has “declared a war on Palestinian terror in Judea and Samaria.” (January 29 2025)
• The Israeli Supreme Court has denied a request for an interim injunction filed by Adalah and Gisha – The Legal Center for the Freedom of Movement, challenging two laws that aim to shut down UNRWA’s operations in Israel. The petition was filed on behalf of ten Palestinian refugees who would be severely affected by the laws. (January 29, 2025)

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

•  S. President  Donald Trump has made efforts to coax Jordan and Egypt’s leaders into “taking in” Gazans, describing Gaza as “a whole mess”, “a demolition site” and “we need to clean out that whole thing”. He expressed his intentions to involve himself with other Arab nations to build housing at a different location so that the surviving people in the Strip would live in peace. He added, “you’re talking about a million and half people, and we just clean out that whole thing.” When asked whether the deportation of the entire population of Gaza would be temporary or long-term, Trump noted it could be either. (January 27, 2025)
• Saudi Ambassador to the UK, HRH Prince Khalid bin Bandar Al Saud has affirmed that Saudi Arabia will not proceed on the path of normalisation of relations with Israel without a  just solution for the Palestinians. The Ambassador stated that:  “Saudi Arabia is a country that engages with everyone, whether we like it or not…, but we do have some red lines, and for us to end the last 75 years of pain and suffering caused by one problem has to include a Palestinian state,” adding that “there’s no other solution”. ( January 28, 2025)
• Israel has ordered UNRWA to vacate all its premises in occupied East Jerusalem and cease its operations by January 30, 2025. The agency asserted that this order violates international law obligations of UN member states including the State of Israel, which is bound by the General Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations. UNRWA property and assets including in East Jerusalem are protected under the UN Charter and are immune from search, requisition, confiscation, expropriation, and any other form of interference. Claims from the Israeli authorities that UNRWA has no right to occupy the premises are without foundation, and promote anti-UNRWA rhetoric, placing the Agency’s facilities and personnel at risk. The Government of Israel has stated publicly that the aim to vacate UNRWA premises in Sheikh Jarrah is to expand Israeli illegal settlements in occupied East Jerusalem.  (January 26, 2025)
• UNRWA has confirmed that the large-scale military operation Israel launched on the northern West Bank has led to escalating violence and displacement. Director of UNRWA Affairs for the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Roland Friedrich, reported on the dire humanitarian and security situation there and particularly in Jenin refugee camp which has “deteriorated severely.” He added that “In Jenin camp, home to over 20,000 residents, nearly all have been displaced. Ongoing violence has forced us to suspend schools and health services for thousands.” UNRWA noted that the tensions in the West Bank threaten the fragile ceasefire in Gaza. (January 26, 2025)
• Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi, has expressed Jordan’s unwavering and principled stance to support a two-State Solution and rejection of  any calls to relocate Palestinians from their lands. Safadi stated “the solution to the Palestinian cause lies in Palestine, Jordan is for Jordanians, Palestine is for Palestinians.” Speaker of the House of Representatives of Jordan, Ahmed Safadi, echoed a similar sentiment, as he pledged that the House would take every possible measure to uphold Jordan’s national principles, encapsulated in its core message: “No to displacement, no to an alternative homeland, Palestine belongs to the Palestinians, and Jordan belongs to the Jordanians.” (January 26-27, 2025)
• The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed Egypt’s continued support for the steadfastness of the Palestinian people on their land and reaffirmed its commitment to backing their legitimate rights in their homeland, based on the principles of international law and international humanitarian law. It stressed its categorical rejection of any violation of these inalienable rights. The Ministry also called on the international community to take immediate action towards the actual implementation of the two-state solution, in accordance with resolutions of international legitimacy. (January 26, 2025)
• The Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has expressed its rejection and condmention of plans aimed at displacing the Palestinian people from their homeland, whether temporarily or permanently, as well as efforts to liquidate the Palestinian cause. It stressed that such actions are a blatant violation of international law and United Nations resolutions. OIC reiterated its call for the complete withdrawal of IOF from Gaza, sufficient delivery of humanitarian aid across the entire Strip, assisting displaced persons in returning to their homes and enabling the Palestinian government to assume its responsibilities in preserving the unity of Palestinian territory, which includes Gaza and the West Bank including East Jerusalem. Similarly, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Aboul Gheit, affirmed his rejection of any proposals to uproot and forcibly displace Palestinains from their homeland. (January 27, 2025)
• S. President Donald Trump has doubled down on his calls to Egypt and Jordan to take in displaced Palestinians from Gaza. Trump stated that Gazans should be placed “in an area where they can live without disruption.” He added that the Egyptian president should accept Palestinians as “a favor to the United States” and insisted that Jordan must also comply, stating “They will do it. They will do it. They’re going to do it, okay? We do a lot for them, and they’re going to do it.” (January 28, 2025)
• Albanian Prime Minister, Edi Rama, has denied reports that Albania is in discussions with the United States to receive 100,000 refugees from Gaza, stressing the claims are “absolutely not true.” Rama emphasised that Albania has not been asked by anyone, nor can we even consider to take on such responsibility and would not consider doing so. He also reaffirmed ALbania’s strong friendships with Israel, the  Gulf States and the Palestinian people, but stated that Albania being in the heart of Europe,  cannot do more than any other European country regarding this matter.  (January 27, 2025)
• New Zealand’s immigration authority now requires Israeli visa applicants to disclose details of their military service, including dates of their military service, the location of their bases, corps and units. Applicants must also answer questions concerning their involvement in human rights violations or war crimes. Persons who cannot disclose these details due to security concerns are not exempt from the requirement, rendering them unable to complete the application process and obtain visas. (January 28, 2025)
• The Plurinational State of Bolivia reaffirmed its solidarity and support for the right of the Palestinian people to self-determination and condemned any attempt at forced displacement, stating that such a proposal constitutes a flagrant violation of international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention, as it involves war crimes and crimes against humanity. Bolivia denounced these actions as part of a systematic strategy to eradicate Palestinians from their homeland, strengthen the occupation regime, and eliminate any possibility of a solution based on peaceful coexistence. ( January 28, 2025)
• S. President Donald Trump has signed an executive order “to combat anti-Semitism,” pledging to deport non-American university students and other foreign residents who participated in protests that Trump labeled as “pro-jihadist.” The order mandates visa revocations and deportation of non-American students involved in such demonstrations. (January 29, 2025)
• The European Union has expressed concern over the escalation of violence in the West Bank, particularly regarding the Israeli military operation in Jenin and Tulkarm, stating that the use of force was unnecessary and disproportionate. It emphasised that the increase in iron gates, military barriers and closures significantly disrupts the daily lives of Palestinians and limits their access to basic services, undermining stability and necessitating their removal. The EU also expressed concern over ongoing settlement expansion since December and the rise in violent attacks by settlers, asserting that the settlements are illegal under international law and constitute an obstacle to peace. It called on Israel to halt the expansion of settlements, prevent settler violence, and stop evictions and forced transfers, ensuring accountability for perpetrators. (January 29-30, 2025)
• The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe adopted a resolution calling for an end to the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and welcomed the first step of the ceasefire agreement, calling on all parties to implement all phases leading to a long-lasting peace. The Assembly also urged the immediate and unconditional repeal of the ban on UNRWA imposed by Israel, as well as full, rapid and safe access for humanitarian organisations and local and foreign journalists. ( January 29, 2025)
• The Director of the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) in the occupied Palestinian territory, Luke Irving, warned that the threat of explosive ordnance in Gaza and the West Bank is present and affects the lives of civilians and the delivery of humanitarian assistance. The Director stated that “There is no clear number of people injured or killed by explosive ordnance yet,” adding, “But we have received unconfirmed reports of 24 casualties since the ceasefire began, which is an average of more than two people per day.” ( February 1, 2025)
• UNRWA announced that it had been forced to relocate its international staff from Jerusalem following the Israeli authorities’ decision to shorten their visas and issue an order to close the agency’s office in the city. UNRWA spokesperson Jonathan Fowler warned that the cessation of the agency’s operations would lead to the collapse of essential services for thousands of Palestinian refugees. He confirmed that the agency’s compound in East Jerusalem is part of the United Nations and is protected under the 1946 agreement on diplomatic sites, warning against Israeli plans to establish settlement units at the location. He also reminded that East Jerusalem is considered occupied territory under international law, and that the International Court of Justice ruled that no actions should be taken to reinforce the occupation. (January 29, 2025)
• The Dutch Parliament passed a resolution conditioning funding for Palestinian non-governmental organizations on their recognition of Israel’s right to exist. The motion was approved by a majority, with 70 votes in favor and 67 against, in the Dutch House of Representatives. (January 29, 2025)
• The Organization of Islamic Cooperation condemned the escalation of Israeli occupation crimes in the West Bank, including the bombing of the town of Tamoun, the ongoing aggression against Jenin and its refugee camp, settler terrorism, and the systematic destruction of infrastructure, along with the establishment of hundreds of military checkpoints. It warned of the dangers of continued war crimes, forced displacement, and settlement expansion. The organization also denounced Israeli measures aimed at enforcing invalid laws passed by the Knesset against UNRWA, emphasizing that there is no alternative to UNRWA and that its international mandate remains intact despite these invalid Israeli laws. It called on the international community to take effective action to stop Israeli violations and put an end to colonialism. (January 29-30, 2025)
• The Tunisian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the Israeli occupation’s aggression on the city of Jenin and its camp, describing it as further proof of its intransigence and its attempts to derail ceasefire efforts in Gaza. The Ministry also warned that Israel is seeking to extend the model of killing and genocide carried out in Gaza to the rest of the occupied Palestinian territory. ( January 30, 2025)
• The Foreign Ministers of the United Kingdom, France, and Germany expressed deep concern over Israeli government legislation that prohibits any contact between Israeli official entities and UNRWA, as well as its presence in Israel and East Jerusalem. They reaffirmed their support for UNRWA’s mandate under the United Nations and its essential role in providing services to Palestinian refugees. They also called for the continuation of UNRWA’s reforms in accordance with the independent review conducted by Catherine Colonna in April 2024, while urging a thorough investigation into any allegations involving its staff. The statement emphasized the commitment of the three countries to support a path toward a two-state solution, ensuring peace between Israelis and Palestinians.
• Belgium expressed deep regret over the expulsion of UNRWA from East Jerusalem and the prohibition of its operations, urging Israel to reverse the implementation of Knesset laws. It emphasized that the humanitarian assistance provided by UNRWA is essential and irreplaceable. Norway and Spain also stated that the enforcement of Israeli laws hindering UNRWA’s work in Palestine poses a serious threat. Norway further announced a contribution of $24.5 million to support UNRWA. Denmark expressed deep concern regarding the implications of Israeli laws on UNRWA, reaffirming its continued support. The Turkish Foreign Ministry condemned the decision, considering it a new phase in the policies of occupation and annexation aimed at forcibly displacing Palestinians from their lands and denying them the right of return. Turkey confirmed that it will continue to support UNRWA. (January 30-31, 2025)
• The Commissioner-General of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, reaffirmed the commitment of UNRWA staff to delivering humanitarian assistance to Palestinian refugees across the West Bank and Gaza. He stressed that UNRWA must be allowed to continue its work until Palestinian institutions are empowered and capable of taking over education and healthcare services within a future Palestinian State. Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, called on Israel to reverse the ban on UNRWA that is set to come into effect, reaffirming that UNRWA has been the main provider of health services in Gaza and the West Bank for decades. Ghebreyesus noted that banning its lifesaving work will have major health consequences for millions of Palestinians. ( January 30-31, 2025)
• The World Health Organization (WHO) welcomed the planned medical evacuation of 50 patients via the Rafah crossing, noting that an estimated 12,000 to 14,000 people still require medical evacuation outside Gaza. The organization called for an accelerated pace of medical evacuations through all possible routes, including the resumption of referrals to the West Bank, including East Jerusalem. ( January 31, 2025)
• Representatives of the governments of South Africa, Senegal, Malaysia, Namibia, Bolivia, Colombia, Cuba, Honduras, and Belize announced the launch of The Hague Group to coordinate legal, diplomatic, and economic measures against Israel’s violations of international law. They called for coordinated legal and diplomatic actions at both national and international levels to ensure accountability and prevent future crimes. This includes measures such as halting arms supplies to Israel and preventing ships that may be used for arms transfers from docking. (January 31, 2025)
• The Office of the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People welcomed the Gaza ceasefire as a crucial step toward halting Israeli military operations against Palestinian civilians. The committee also condemned Israel’s adoption of a law banning the UNRWA agency and demanded its repeal. Additionally, it called on both the UN General Assembly and the Security Council to reject the illegal Israeli legislation and push for its annulment. (January 31, 2025)
• UNRWA has strongly rejected Israeli claims that its facilities in the West Bank serve as “terror hubs,” a claim made by an IOF spokesperson regarding the health center in Jenin refugee camp. The agency clarified that it had been unable to maintain full control over the facility since December 17, 2024, due to its occupation by armed Palestinian actors, whose presence UNRWA condemned on December 20. It clarified that weapons shown in an IOF video were abandoned munitions linked to those armed groups. UNRWA said that since December 2024, ongoing operations in Jenin Camp have restricted humanitarian access, displaced thousands, and left the camp nearly uninhabitable. (January 31, 2025)
• During a meeting attended by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, the State of Qatar, the Arab Republic of Egypt, along with the Secretary-General of the Executive Committee of the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Secretary-General of the Arab League, the participants welcomed the ceasefire agreement and urged its full implementation. They called for Israeli forces to withdraw from Gaza, and for the Palestinian Authority (PA) to assume its responsibilities in the Strip. They also reaffirmed support for a two-state solution and urged international participation in the International Conference for the Resolution of the Palestinian Cause, scheduled for June 2025. (February 01, 2025)

Publications of human rights NGOs

• Hassan Breijah,  researcher for the Anti-wall and Settlement Committee, revealed that the Israeli occupation authorities are planning to implement the ‘Rose Marine’ expansion project, which aims to expand the ‘Beitar Illit’ settlement on Palestinian lands in occupied Jerusalem. The project includes separating the village of Husan from the town of Nahalin by expanding Colonial Road No. 375 and connecting the settlement to a traffic signal-free road leading to colonial route 60. It also involves constructing a light rail and establishing a separation wall along the road. Breijah confirmed that the project will result in the confiscation of hundreds of dunams of land belonging to Palestinian citizens in the western countryside. (January 26, 2025)
• Several Palestinians with Polish citizenship have filed a complaint with Polish authorities calling for the arrest of Israeli Education Minister Yoav Kisch. Kisch is visiting Poland to attend a ceremony marking the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz. The complainants accuse him of responsibility for war crimes in Gaza, including the deaths of their family members (January 26, 2025)
• The Peace Now Organization described the Israeli proposal, which seeks to allow settlers to purchase land without any oversight throughout the West Bank, as a dangerous step toward annexation, effectively making them “landlords” in the West Bank, both symbolically and practically. (January 26, 2025)
• The Peace Now Organization reported that the Israeli Higher Planning Council discussed progress in the construction of 682 housing units in the illegal Israeli settlements of Halamish, Mitzad, and Peduel in the occupied West Bank. It added that in 2023, the council approved the construction of a record 12,349 settlement housing units, with an additional 9,884 units approved in 2024. The organization explained that the Netanyahu government has expedited settlement construction by altering changes to approval procedures, as it is no longer necessary to obtain the defense minister’s approval for each stage of settlement plan progress. It emphasized that these measures aim to normalize settlement planning and reduce both public and international attention and criticism. (January 26, 2025)
• Sarah Leah Whitson, Executive Director of Democracy for the Arab World Now (DAWN), has criticised President Trump’s decision to revoke the U.S. sanctions against violent Israeli settlers and malign settlement organizations involved in land theft. She stated, “President Trump’s decision to revoke the U.S. government’s [sic] isn’t only a slap in the face to millions of Palestinians enduring decades of terrorist pogroms, but erodes what little hope we have that Trump will succeed in establishing a Palestinian state.” Whitson added that Trump was “kowtowing to his pro-Israel donor base” who opposed efforts to hold extremist Israelis accountable. (January 27, 2025)
• Doctors Without Borders (Médecins Sans Frontières) announced that returning to the city of Rafah after 15 months of the Israeli war on Gaza remains fraught with danger, as the city has been nearly completely destroyed. The organization emphasized that healthcare services and the rebuilding of the city are essential for restoring life in Rafah, but the presence of unexploded ordnance in the rubble makes return unsafe. It also noted that more than 1.5 million people were displaced to Rafah in May 2024 and are now facing harsh conditions in temporary camps, suffering from a lack of shelter, food, and water. (January 27, 2025)
• The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media – 7amlah- released its annual report titled, “Hashtag Palestine 2024,” which highlights the repercussions of the Israeli war on Gaza and the systematic violations of Palestinian digital rights. These violations include the weaponization of artificial intelligence as part of Israel’s war strategy, phone and social media inspections at Israeli military checkpoints, and the enhancement of surveillance systems. The report also examined the role of media platforms, such as Meta, in restricting Palestinian content, deleting it, or limiting its visibility. ( January 27, 2025)
• Human Rights Watch published a report titled: “‘Five Babies in One Incubator’ Violations of Pregnant Women’s Rights Amid Israel’s Assault on Gaza.” The report stated that the siege and restrictions on humanitarian aid, along with the destruction of medical facilities and shortages of medicine and food, have increased the risk of death for women during pregnancy and childbirth, with reports indicating a rise in miscarriage rates by up to 300%. The organization also highlighted that the Israeli government has deliberately deprived Palestinians of water, constituting a crime against humanity and an act of genocide. Many pregnant women reported experiencing dehydration or being unable to wash themselves. (January 28, 2025)
• Al Mezan Center for Human Rights strongly rejectsS. President Donald Trump’s statements proposing the displacement of Palestinians from the Gaza Strip to neighboring Arab countries under false humanitarian pretexts. The center added that these remarks amount to complicity with ongoing Israeli crimes in Gaza. The center called on the High Contracting Parties to the Fourth Geneva Convention to uphold their responsibilities, ensure accountability for Israel, and lift the blockade on Gaza. It emphasized that a resolution to the Palestinian crisis can only be achieved by ending the occupation and ensuring the return of Palestinians to their lands, in accordance with international resolutions. (January 28, 2025)
• The Australia Palestine Advocacy Network (APAN) urged the Australian government to take decisive action against Israel’s imminent ban on UNRWA. APAN called on the Australian government to support the United Nations in resisting this attack on its legitimacy, and to pressure Israel to immediately end this ban. It also stressed the need for diplomatic and economic sanctions on Israel (January 28, 2025)
• A report by British-Palestinian Committee (BPC) has exposed the depth of British military collaboration with Israel, detailing the UK’s active complicity in Israel’s genocidal  acts perpetrated against the Palestinians in Gaza. The report highlights British involvement in the Israeli arms industry, logistical support, arms transfers, protection of Israeli military infrastructure, and repeated and ongoing intelligence-sharing through surveillance flights. (January 28, 2025)
• Al-Haq called on the international community to fulfill its responsibilities to protect Palestinians, in light of the escalating Israeli military operations and settler violence in the occupied West Bank. The organization noted that Israel is employing the same unlawful methods used in Gaza, including attacks on hospitals and health facilities (January 29, 2025)
• Several academic and research institutions, along with scholars and researchers, have expressed their rejection of the German draft resolution titled “Decisively Confronting Anti-Semitism and Anti-Israel Sentiments in Schools and Universities, While Ensuring Space for Free Dialogue.” They argue that the resolution threatens academic freedom and education while overstepping the jurisdiction of federal states in matters of science and culture. Additionally, they warned against linking research funding to adherence to the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance (IHRA) definition of anti-Semitism, emphasizing that such a measure restricts freedom of expression and leads to discrimination against Arab and Palestinian students and researchers. (January 29, 2025)
• Reuters published a report indicating that the American security firm UG Solutions is hiring nearly 100 U.S. special forces veterans to help run a checkpoint in Gaza during the Israel-Hamas truce. The contractors will manage a checkpoint at the junction of the Netzarim corridor. ( January 30, 2025)
• DiEM25 Movement and its co-founder Yanis Varoufakis expressed its full solidarity with The Hague Group, launched by several States with the aim of holding Israel accountable. The movement stated that this case is not only about Israel’s war on Gaza, but also about defending the very foundations of international law. ( January 31, 2025)

Opinion Pieces and features

• PassBlue published an op-ed by Chris Gunness and Lex Takkenberg titled, “As Israel’s UNRWA Ban Kicks In, the UN Boss Must Be Ready for Day After.” (January 25, 2025)
• WAFA published a report by Ali Al-Farra titled, “Testimonies: The occupation executed people with disabilities during its aggression on the Gaza Strip.” (January 26, 2025)
• Al Jazeera published an article titled, “Why are there so many Palestinian children in Israeli prisons?” (January 26, 2025)
• Mondoweiss published an op-ed by Salman Abu Sitta titled, “The Right of Return is still the issue.” (January 28, 2025)
• Development Today published an opinion piece by Jo Kelcey & Anne Irfan titled, “Sweden’s decision to stop funding UNRWA threatens the education of an entire generation” (January 28, 2025)
• Arab News published an opinion piece by Osama Al-Sharif titled, “No artificial solution can liquidate the just Palestinian cause” (January 28, 2025)
• Irish Center for Human Rights published an article by Amanie Issa titled, “Gaza’s Genocide and the Fragility of Israel’s Disability Rights Claim” (January 28, 2025)
• CounterPunch published an article by Ramzy Baroud titled, “Gaza’s Unbreakable Resistance: A Historical Perspective on the War and Its Aftermath” (January 28, 2025)
• Middle East Eye published an article by Antony Loewenstein titled, “Israel’s use of AI in Gaza is a terrifying model coming to a country near you” (January 28, 2025)
• The New Arab published an article by Toufic Haddad titled, “In Gaza ‘never again’ happened again as the powerful looked on” (January 29, 2025)
• Mondoweiss published an op-ed by Mitchell Plitnick titled “ The U.S. appears to be pushing for more ethnic cleansing in Gaza. Will it succeed?” (January 29, 2025)
• Middle East Eye published an op-ed by Professor Richard Falk titled: “Amid fragile ceasefire, the Gaza tribunal on genocide will bring us closer to justice.” (January 29, 2025)
• Tribune published an article by Ronnie Kasrils titled: “Palestinian Justice Won’t Wait for the West.” (January 31, 2025)

Upcoming human rights opportunities and events

• The Centre for Palestine Studies at SOAS University of London has announced the launch of the book Stolen Nation: The Right to Reparation of Palestine Refugees, by researcher Lena El-Malak, to be held on 4 February 2025, at the Khalili Lecture Theatre in the university’s main building, from 6:00 to 7:00 p.m. The book provides a legal analysis of the right to reparation of  Palestinian refugees under international law for the destruction and expropriation of their property during the Nakba, and explores the challenges of invoking these rights in both international and domestic courts.
• The Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People (CEIRPP) has announced the organization of its first annual meeting to elect its Bureau and adopt its annual Programme of Work, scheduled for 5 February 2025 in the ECOSOC Chamber. The meeting will be attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres and will feature a briefing by Mr. Michael Fakhri, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Food and Mr. Hani Almadhoun, Co-Founder of Gaza Soup Kitchen. The meeting will be live streamed Via UN Web TV.