Activists Mobilize to Address State Negligence

Civil society activists gathered at the United Nations today to advocate for accountability regarding Israel’s actions in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. During a special consultation, they called for an arms embargo against Israel, the suspension of its General Assembly membership, and the re-establishment of the UN Special Committee against Apartheid. This meeting is part of a two-day event commemorating the Nakba of 1948, highlighting the ongoing struggles faced by Palestinians.

Calls for Accountability and Legal Action

The meeting, hosted by the United Nations Committee on the Exercise of the Inalienable Rights of the Palestinian People, featured discussions on best practices for ensuring accountability. Jake Romm from the Hind Rajab Foundation emphasized the need for legal action against Israeli soldiers involved in alleged war crimes. The foundation, established in 2024 in memory of Hind Rajab, aims to hold accountable those responsible for the violence in Gaza. Romm pointed out that despite substantial evidence of wrongdoing, no Israeli soldier or official has faced prosecution.

The foundation employs a strategy that includes filing requests for prosecution in countries where Israeli soldiers travel, leveraging the principle of universal jurisdiction. This legal framework allows nations to prosecute individuals for serious crimes regardless of where they were committed. Romm urged member states to collaborate in fulfilling their international legal obligations, stressing that there is no statute of limitations for such crimes.

Highlighting Global Complicity

Saleh Hijazi, Policy Coordinator of the Palestinian Boycott Divest Sanctions National Committee, addressed the complicity of various governments and corporations in Israel’s actions. He asserted that the genocide of Palestinians is well-documented and visible, yet many states continue to support Israel through military and intelligence assistance. Countries like the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom play significant roles in enabling these actions, while corporations such as Google and Amazon contribute to the infrastructure that supports Israel’s policies.

Hijazi called for a comprehensive military embargo against Israel and the suspension of its General Assembly membership. He likened the current situation to the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa, urging states to take decisive action against complicity in human rights violations.

Critique of UN Security Council Inaction

Shir Hever, Coordinator of the BNC Arms Embargo Campaign, criticized the UN Security Council for its inaction, suggesting that waiting for a military embargo from the council effectively grants Israel a “blank check.” He highlighted that the genocide is largely facilitated by weapons supplied by the United States and other nations. Hever pointed out that the Arms Trade Treaty prohibits arms transfers when there is a risk of war crimes, yet military exports to Israel continue unabated.

Diala Shamas, an attorney with the Center for Constitutional Rights, shared insights into legal challenges against Israel’s actions within the United States. She discussed a lawsuit filed on behalf of Palestinian human rights organizations, emphasizing the personal stories of those affected. Shamas noted that the Nakba remains a significant part of the Palestinian narrative, linking historical injustices to the current situation.

Encouraging Global South Solidarity

The speakers at the UN meeting called for solidarity among Global South states to counter Western complicity in Israel’s actions. Shamas highlighted the case of Mahmoud Khalil, a Palestinian-American detained for protesting against Israel’s actions. She underscored the need for states, particularly those with a history of anti-colonial struggles, to break away from the influence of the United States and support accountability efforts.

The activists emphasized the importance of international cooperation in addressing these issues and urged states to take a stand against complicity in human rights violations. The discussions at the UN reflect a growing movement advocating for justice and accountability for the Palestinian people.

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