Since the 1949 Geneva Convention and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court define targeting civilians, destroying civilian infrastructure, and depriving people of food and water as war crimes and crimes against humanity, crimes of genocide and forced displacement rank among the most serious violations of international humanitarian law and human rights.
Due to international inaction and the failure of UN agencies to respond effectively, Gaza is currently experiencing a terrible humanitarian crisis after an Israeli war of extermination that lasted 16 months. The conflict left behind extensive destruction and terrible living conditions.
The World Food Programme reports that despite the widespread destruction and dearth of basic services, thousands of displaced Palestinians started to return to the northern Gaza Strip after the ceasefire agreement went into effect on January 19.
According to the programme, there are “enormous” humanitarian needs, and a comprehensive UN response is necessary to alleviate the catastrophe that Gaza is experiencing.
Since they are not allowed to travel by car other than through checkpoints manned by joint Egyptian-Qatari forces, video footage showed the displaced people swarming along Rashid Street, footing through the debris of destroyed homes.
Over 61,709 Palestinians have been killed in the Israeli war, according to official figures. Of these, 17,881 children and 214 infants were born during the aggression and did not survive its devastating effects. In one of the worst humanitarian disasters in recent memory, the violence has also left over 38,000 children orphaned.
1,155 medical personnel, 205 journalists, and 194 civil defence teams were killed while attempting to rescue victims from beneath the debris, demonstrating the systematic targeting of civilians by the Israeli occupation.
Along with the genocide, the occupation has arrested over 6,000 Palestinians in large numbers, many of whom were tortured to death in detention facilities.
More than two million Palestinians have been displaced by the raids and indiscriminate shelling, and some have had to relocate more than 25 times. They are also without the basic necessities of life.
The international community is put to the test in addressing Israel’s continued violations in light of all these documented crimes. Washington continues to support the occupation militarily and politically, which exacerbates the humanitarian crisis and upholds the occupation’s impunity. UN institutions have so far failed to take strong action to hold the occupation accountable.
Even as efforts to aid the returning displaced continue, Gaza continues to be a sore spot on the human conscience, awaiting significant international action to stop these crimes and hold those responsible for them accountable in line with international law.
