UN Warns Countries Aiding Israel May Be “Complicit” in War Crimes and Genocide
UN experts warned on Friday that countries aiding Israel in its occupation of Palestinian territories may be considered “complicit” in possible war crimes and genocide in Gaza. Navi Pillay, head of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry, stated that countries enabling Israel’s actions despite repeated warnings should bear responsibility.
“Israel’s internationally wrongful acts give rise to state responsibility, not only for Israel but for all states,” said Pillay, a former UN human rights chief. The commission published a legal position paper outlining necessary actions following an advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice (ICJ). The ICJ had declared Israel’s occupation of Palestinian territories since 1967 “unlawful.”
UN’s Legal Stand on Israel’s Occupation
The commission’s paper followed last month’s UN General Assembly vote, which demanded that Israel end its occupation within a year. According to the commission, Israel is now under an “international legal obligation” to halt new settlement activity and dismantle existing settlements swiftly.
The commission emphasized that Israel must physically evacuate settlers from occupied Palestinian land. Additionally, Israel is obligated to return land, titles, and natural resources to Palestinians displaced since 1967.
Other Countries’ Responsibilities
Pillay stressed that countries also have obligations. All nations must avoid recognizing Israel’s territorial claims over the occupied Palestinian territories. They are required to “distinguish in their dealings between Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.” This includes not recognizing Jerusalem as Israel’s capital or placing diplomatic missions in the city.
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Pillay further warned that countries must refrain from providing financial, military, or political aid that could help Israel maintain its occupation. She called this assistance a violation of international law, urging states to take immediate steps to comply.
Genocide Concerns in Gaza
The commission expressed concern that countries failing to act against the occupation could be complicit in genocide. It pointed to an ongoing case brought by South Africa to the ICJ, accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza. The ICJ has ordered provisional measures to prevent genocide, and the commission warned that any state that does not comply may be aiding in the crime.
“States may be complicit in failing to prevent genocide if they do not act in compliance with the court orders and directly aid or assist in the commission of genocide,” the commission said.
Israel’s Response
Israel has long accused the UN commission of bias, claiming that the body systematically discriminates against the country. Israeli officials have repeatedly dismissed the UN’s findings and refused to cooperate with its inquiries.
Global Reactions
The new legal position paper is expected to spark international debate. Many countries have backed Israel, providing it with military and financial support, while others have consistently criticized its actions in Palestine. The commission’s stance could pressure nations to rethink their relationships with Israel.
The UN commission has clearly laid out that countries must hold Israel accountable for its actions in the occupied territories. Failure to do so, it warns, could lead to complicity in serious international crimes, including genocide in Gaza. The situation remains tense, with global attention now focused on how states respond to the UN’s call for action.
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