News|Israel-Palestine conflictGaza Tribunal calls for ‘Israeli perpetrators and enablers’ to face justiceThe tribunal’s message came as it released its genocide verdict following four days of public hearings in Istanbul, Turkiye.
The Gaza Tribunal has issued its final findings, asserting that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that those responsible, including "Israeli perpetrators and their Western enablers," should face justice.
The Gaza Tribunal has issued its final findings, asserting that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that those responsible, including "Israeli perpetrators and their Western enablers," should face justice.
The tribunal, an unofficial body established in London in November of the previous year, delivered its "moral judgement" on Sun, following four days of public hearings in Istanbul, Turkiye.
Presided over by Richard Falk, a former United Nations special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian territories, the initiative is inspired by the Russell Tribunal, which investigated United States war crimes in Vietnam in 1967.
The year-long Gaza process involved the collection of information, witness testimonies, and evidence archiving. In its ruling, the tribunal condemned acts including the mass destruction of residential properties, deliberate denial of food to civilians, torture, and the targeting of journalists.
The tribunal concluded that Israel's actions in Gaza indicate a failure of global governance in upholding duties. It recommended holding all "perpetrators, supporters, and enablers" accountable and suggested Israel's suspension from international organizations like the UN.
The Gaza Tribunal has issued its final findings, asserting that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and that those responsible, including "Israeli perpetrators and their Western enablers," should face justice.
The jury also noted the complicity of Western governments, particularly the United States, through the provision of "diplomatic cover, weapons, weapon parts, intelligence, military assistance and training, and continuing economic relations."
The tribunal criticized post-war plans proposed by US President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron, stating they "ignore the rights of the Palestinian people under international law" and fail to address the actions of genocide perpetrators.
The tribunal emphasized that Palestinians should lead Gaza's restoration, with Israel and its enablers responsible for reparations.
While acknowledging that it is not a legal court, the tribunal aims to serve as a civil society response to the Gaza conflict, advocating for the recognition and documentation of genocide to prevent impunity and ongoing violence globally.
Israel is currently facing genocide accusations at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), brought by South Africa. Although a final judgement may take years, an interim ruling in January 2024 found it "plausible" that Israel is violating the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. Israel has consistently denied these accusations.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
