مستشار أمني إسرائيلي سابق لبي بي سي: جنود الجيش الإسرائيلي يجب أن يرفضوا الأوامر التي قد تؤدي لجرائم حرب

Former Israeli Security Advisor Warns of Potential War Crimes in Gaza

Former Israeli Security Advisor Warns Soldiers to Refuse Illegal Orders

Eiran Etzion, a former Israeli security advisor who served under four prime ministers and as deputy head of Israel's National Security Council, has voiced grave concerns about the potential for war crimes in the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Etzion, a long-time critic of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, has earned widespread respect due to his years of public service. He is urging Israeli soldiers to refuse orders that could lead to war crimes.

"They should refuse. If a soldier or officer anticipates an act that could be suspected of being a war crime, they must refuse. This is what I would have done if I were a soldier. This is what I believe any Israeli soldier should do," Etzion asserted.

Dire Situation in Jabaliya

Etzion's concerns are rooted in the dire situation in the Jabaliya area of Gaza, where tens of thousands have fled amid the Israeli military's ongoing offensive. Doctors and medical personnel at the Indonesian hospital in Jabaliya are desperately appealing to the international community for help. They describe a lack of basic necessities, including water, and recount the suffering of those trapped within the besieged area.

International Pressure and Calls for Accountability

The international community has increasingly criticized Israel's actions during the conflict, with the United States threatening to halt weapons shipments if Israel does not allow aid to flow into Gaza. The United Nations has accused Israel of repeatedly preventing or hindering aid deliveries, most recently to northern Gaza. While the Israeli military maintains that its operations are conducted in accordance with international law, there are calls for greater accountability.

Legal Experts Weigh In

Philip Sands, a leading war crimes lawyer, has stated that Israel was initially justified in defending itself following the attacks of October 7, 2023, but now its actions violate international law. He argues that Israel must adhere to the requirements of international humanitarian law, distinguishing between civilians and military targets. Sands also emphasized that starvation cannot be used as a weapon of war and forcibly relocating large populations is prohibited.

Echoes of Past Conflicts and the Future of International Law

Sands, who has led cases on genocide in Myanmar and the establishment of a Palestinian state before the International Court of Justice in The Hague, sees clear parallels between the current crisis in Gaza and past conflicts. He argues that the international community is grappling with the effectiveness of international law in the face of ongoing crises. While he acknowledges that international law doesn't always work in practice, he contends that it remains a crucial framework for holding nations accountable and advocating for a more just world.

Challenges to Israel's Narrative

As images of civilian suffering emerge from Jabaliya, there is a widespread challenge to Israel's narrative surrounding the conflict. Etzion, like many others, is urging for a focus on international law and a commitment to upholding the principles of justice and human rights in the face of a deeply complex and emotional situation.