The European Association of Lawyers for Democracy and Human Rights (ELDH) condemns in the strongest terms the resumption of Israel’s devastating military assault on Gaza and the breakdown of the ceasefire. The renewed bombardments, which have already killed and maimed hundreds of Palestinian civilians, including hundreds of children, further compound the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and constitute serious violations of international humanitarian law.
The termination of the ceasefire represents a grave failure to protect civilian lives and a blatant disregard for the obligations of all parties under international law. The ceasefire provided a brief window of relief for Gaza’s besieged population, yet its termination has ushered in another wave of indiscriminate attacks, forced displacement, and mass suffering. Israel’s resumption of military operations, including its refusal even during the ceasefire to allow life-saving humanitarian aid into Gaza, is a continuation of genocide that violates the international criminal law and international human rights law.
The renewed offensive negates diplomatic efforts towards a sustainable peace and escalates the risk of further war crimes, including ethnic cleansing and acts of genocide, as alleged before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
ELDH calls for an immediate and comprehensive ceasefire to prevent further atrocities. We urge:
• Israel to halt its military operations immediately, withdraw from Gaza, and comply with its legal obligations under international law, including the ICJ’s provisional measures.
• The international community to take urgent diplomatic and legal action to enforce a ceasefire and hold all parties accountable for violations of international law.
• The United Nations Security Council to act decisively, including by enforcing measures to stop the assault and protect Palestinian civilians.
• All states to cease arms sales and military aid to Israel, in accordance with their obligations to prevent complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity.
• A return to negotiations based on international law and justice, ensuring that a ceasefire leads to concrete steps toward ending the illegal occupation and apartheid system imposed on the Palestinian people.
The continuation of Israel’s military campaign, despite overwhelming international condemnation, is yet another demonstration of the impunity that has allowed grave crimes against the Palestinian people to persist for decades. The world cannot stand by as Gaza is subjected to yet another cycle of mass killing, destruction, and suffering.
Without an immediate end to hostilities and a commitment to respect for international law , the possibility of a just and lasting peace will remain out of reach.