Latest news with #FourthGenevaConvention


Al-Ahram Weekly
5 days ago
- Politics
- Al-Ahram Weekly
Egypt urges int'l action after Israeli settlers kill three Palestinians in West Bank attack - Foreign Affairs
Egypt has called on the international community to act after Israeli settlers shot and killed three Palestinians in the occupied West Bank. The killings took place on Wednesday during an attack on the village of Kafr Malik near Ramallah. The Egyptian Ministry of Foreign Affairs condemned the incident in a statement issued Saturday, describing it as part of a pattern of 'systematic attacks' against Palestinians. The ministry said such violence violates international law and the Fourth Geneva Convention and warned that continued attacks undermine efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region. Egypt also called for international accountability, urging action to protect Palestinians from what it described as settler crimes. The ministry said the international community has a responsibility to confront what it called the ongoing injustice faced by Palestinians under Israeli occupation. Cairo reiterated its position that all Israeli settlements in the occupied Arab territories are illegal and pose a serious obstacle to resolving the Palestinian issue. The statement also restated Egypt's support for the establishment of an independent Palestinian state along the pre-1967 borders, with East Jerusalem as its capital. Follow us on: Facebook Instagram Whatsapp Short link:


Saba Yemen
6 days ago
- Politics
- Saba Yemen
"HASHD" calls for immediate halt to US-Israeli aid distribution mechanism
Gaza – Saba: The International Commission to Support the Rights of the Palestinian People (HASHD) has called for an immediate halt to the US-Israeli aid distribution mechanism and the ongoing killing of starving civilians. During a press conference held on Thursday at Al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, the commission urged international intervention to stop the genocide and ensure the flow of humanitarian aid. In its statement, HASHD addressed the genocide crimes committed against the people of Gaza, particularly the killing of starving civilians who had gathered near US-Israeli aid distribution centers. The statement emphasized that humanity stands at a critical crossroads, witnessing the continuous and grave crimes committed by Israeli occupation forces against Palestinian civilians in Gaza. These crimes have persisted without interruption since October 7, 2023—over 630 days—constituting one of the most horrific genocides in modern history. It highlighted the unprecedented catastrophic conditions in Gaza, where Israel's war machine has systematically destroyed civilian houses, shelters, displacement tents, infrastructure, hospitals, and schools. Israel's suffocating blockade has led to widespread famine, severe shortages of water, medicine, and other basic necessities. The statement stressed that the Israeli occupation is implementing a systematic policy of starvation, control over civilians, and the use of aid as a tool for blackmail, demographic manipulation, and warfare. These actions, it said, constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, representing a blatant violation of international humanitarian law—particularly the Fourth Geneva Convention and the Genocide Convention—as well as the rulings of the International Court of Justice. Whatsapp Telegram Email Print more of (International)


Days of Palestine
25-06-2025
- Politics
- Days of Palestine
IOF Intensifies Repression Campaign against Palestinian Prisoners
DaysofPal- As the Israeli war on Gaza enters its ninth month, rights groups and former detainees warn of an alarming escalation in abuses against Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails. Reports detail a systematic campaign of torture, starvation, and psychological abuse, described by experts as a deliberate policy of slow execution practiced by the Israeli occupation forces (IOF). Since the outbreak of the war on October 7, 2023, the conditions for over 10,400 Palestinian detainees have dramatically worsened, with more than 1,800 prisoners from Gaza labeled as 'unlawful combatants'—a classification that strips them of legal protections under international law. Hassan Abd Rabbo, a leading researcher on prisoner affairs, said the occupation is 'exploiting the war and global silence to inflict collective punishment on detainees.' He accused Israeli authorities of 'waging a war of revenge inside prisons,' where prisoners face daily beatings, deprivation of food and medical care, and complete isolation from the outside world. 'The prison system is being used as a tool of retribution,' Abd Rabbo said, calling the conditions a 'war crime in progress.' Former prisoner and researcher Munqith Abu Atwan echoed these concerns, describing Israeli prisons as 'concrete fortresses of psychological warfare' built to 'destroy the Palestinian spirit.' He likened them to 'slow execution chambers,' designed by experts in psychological repression. According to the Palestinian Prisoners' Media Office, the Israeli forces and prison service have expanded their campaign to include mass arrests, including children, elderly citizens, and women. More than 560 women have been detained since the war began, many accused of 'incitement' on social media. The group also documented dozens of nighttime raids targeting the families of prisoners and resistance fighters. These raids, often accompanied by physical violence and the terrorizing of children, reflect what rights monitors describe as a growing reliance on collective punishment. 'These actions violate the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits torture and collective punishment and obligates protection for civilians during conflict,' the office said in a statement. 'Yet the occupation continues with impunity, shielded by international inaction.' The Palestinian Prisoners' Club confirmed that the number of female prisoners now stands at 47, including two underage girls and 10 held without charge under administrative detention. Despite the deteriorating conditions, activists say Palestinian prisoners continue to resist with remarkable resilience. 'They remain steadfast behind bars,' said Abd Rabbo, 'carrying the torch of freedom, even as the world looks away.' Human rights organizations have called for urgent international intervention to halt what they describe as a 'war within a war,' demanding accountability and immediate protection for detainees subjected to daily brutality. Shortlink for this post:


National Post
07-06-2025
- Politics
- National Post
Opinion: Indigenous leaders call Canada's anti-Israel joint statement hypocritical
We are deeply disappointed by the joint statement, co-signed by Canada, France, and Britain on 'the situation in Gaza and the West Bank.' This call rewards Hamas for the torture and murder of 1,200 innocent civilians on October 7 and the kidnapping of 250 others. We note that these are the same Western powers that bombed Raqqa and Mosul into rubble to eliminate ISIS, yet now invoke humanitarian concern to shield Hamas from the consequences of their own atrocities. Article content Article content Hamas started this war, and Israel has every right to defend itself against terrorists. One wonders what Canadian authorities would do if these Hamas atrocities had targeted Canadian citizens on Canadian soil. Article content Article content From the outset of the war, Hamas has hijacked international aid, diverting food, fuel, and medical supplies to sell on the black market. The proceeds— estimated at up to half a billion dollars — have effectively been a war subsidy, funding the recruitment and arming of more terrorists. Article content Under the Fourth Geneva Convention, aid restrictions are entirely lawful when there is a risk that the aid will be diverted to enemy combatants. Every truck that Hamas seizes is a reward for terrorism and an incentive to repeat their strategy. In spite of this, Israel ensured there was enough aid in Gaza to last months, with 25,000 aid trucks entering Gaza during the 42-day ceasefire. Indeed deliveries of aid have re-started, and a new mechanism has been put in place to ensure that aid is distributed to the needy, rather than diverted and stolen by Hamas. Article content Article content Meanwhile Hamas still holds 58 hostages in inhumane conditions underground — starving, torturing, and sometimes murdering them. Article content The conflict in Gaza could end tomorrow if Hamas laid down its arms and released the hostages. This is the path to peace. Hamas has never accepted Israel's right to exist. After Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005, Hamas did not build a state; they built terror tunnels and stockpiled rockets, planning for October 7. To believe that a Palestinian state can be negotiated with a group that rejects the very existence of Israel is a dangerous and naïve fantasy. Article content Every ceasefire gives Hamas time to regroup and plan the next massacre. This is the unbearable dilemma Israel faces. Unless Hamas is defeated, this war will not end — it will merely pause, until the next October 7. If Western leaders enable this cycle, they will bear responsibility for the bloodshed to come — on both sides. Article content We are also concerned for the Jewish and Israeli people in Canada. Israel's Ministry of Diaspora Affairs upgraded its travel alert for Canada to Level 2 due to rising threats against Israelis and Jews, following multiple recent attacks on Jewish institutions and a rise in hostile rhetoric. Israelis in Canada were urged to avoid public displays of Jewish/Israeli identity. Leaders of nations should be mindful of how their pubic statements (or lack thereof) might correlate with a rise in antisemitic attacks.


Scoop
07-06-2025
- Politics
- Scoop
IWCNZ Demands Immediate Justice And Urgent Action On Gaza Crisis, Citing Grave Violations Of International Law
Press Release – Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand This is not just a Palestinian issueit is a human rights crisis that demands urgent intervention. We urge New Zealanders, activists, and civil society groups to challenge misinformation, amplify Palestinian voices, and demand justice. As Eid approaches, it is a time for reflection, compassion, and togetherness. Yet, while many prepare to celebrate, our thoughts are with those in Gaza who are facing unimaginable hardship. The Islamic Women's Council New Zealand (IWCNZ) stands in unwavering solidarity with the Palestinian people, condemning the ongoing atrocities and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. As mothers, daughters, sisters, and advocates for justice, we cannot remain silent as innocent lives—especially women and children—continue to suffer under relentless attacks and unjust occupation. The military assault on Gaza is more than a conflict—it is a humanitarian catastrophe fuelled by systemic oppression, ethnic cleansing, and violations of international law. Entire families have been destroyed, homes flattened, hospitals bombed, and basic human needs deliberately denied. The international community has an obligation to act, yet far too little is being done. 'The systematic targeting of civilians and the deliberate denial of humanitarian aid in Gaza constitute grave breaches of international law,' states Dr. Maysoon Salama. IWCNZ. 'New Zealand has a proud history of advocating for peace and human rights on the global stage. We urge our government to live up to these values and take concrete action to halt this humanitarian catastrophe.' The continued violence against Palestinians is in direct violation of international law, including: The Fourth Geneva Convention (1949) – Prohibits occupation forces from targeting civilians, imposing collective punishment, and blocking humanitarian aid. The Rome Statute of the ICC – Defines war crimes, including indiscriminate bombings and forced starvation of civilians. The 1948 Genocide Convention – Holds nations accountable for acts that seek to erase a people through mass killings, destruction, and denial of survival resources. United Nations Resolutions – Numerous UN resolutions condemn Israeli occupation and reaffirm Palestinian sovereignty, yet enforcement remains weak due to global political bias. The UN Convention on the Rights of the Child (1989) – Guarantees safety, education, healthcare, and basic human needs for every child, all of which have been stripped from Palestinian children in Gaza. The UN Security Council Resolution 1325 (2000) – Recognizes the impact of conflict on women, calling for their protection and inclusion in peace processes —which has been ignored entirely in Palestine. New Zealand has long advocated for peace and human rights, but words are not enough. The Islamic Women's Council of New Zealand demands that the New Zealand Government: Publicly denounce Israel's violations of international law and demand accountability. Advocate for an immediate ceasefire and halt military funding that supports occupation forces. Enforce diplomatic and economic sanctions until Israel adheres to international law. Enhance humanitarian aid contributions to ensure medical relief reaches Palestinian families. Support Palestinian sovereignty by recognizing Palestine's right to self-determination. This is not just a Palestinian issue—it is a human rights crisis that demands urgent intervention. We urge New Zealanders, activists, and civil society groups to challenge misinformation, amplify Palestinian voices, and demand justice. As Muslim women, we feel the deep pain of mothers watching their children suffer, the anguish of families torn apart, and the urgency for a world where peace is more than just words. We will not stay silent. We will continue to advocate, amplify, and demand change until Palestine is free from occupation, oppression, and genocide.