This text is a statement from Amnesty international, specifically quoting their Secretary General Agnès Callamard, regarding the situation in Gaza and the role of states in upholding international law.Here’s a breakdown of the key points:
Critique of State Inaction: amnesty International argues that states are failing to protect civilians and uphold international humanitarian law in the current conflict.
Call for Accountability: The core message is that “Israel is not above the law and accountability is a priority.”
Urgent Demands for States: Amnesty International outlines several specific actions states must take:
Immediate and Lasting Ceasefire: this is presented as the primary and most urgent step.
Lifting of the Blockade: They demand the end of Israel’s “illegal blockade” of Gaza.
Principled Humanitarian Response: They advocate for a UN-led,impartial aid distribution model,rejecting Israel’s military-controlled approach.
Ending Trade and Transfers: This includes banning weapons, surveillance equipment, and military assistance to Israel, and also ending preferential trade agreements.
Targeted Sanctions: They call for sanctions against Israeli officials implicated in international crimes.
Cooperation with the ICC: States should cooperate with the International Criminal Court,including implementing arrest warrants.
commitment to Reconstruction and Rehabilitation: They advocate for the rebuilding of Gaza and support for its people, opposing forced displacement.
Reparations: Israel should bear the primary financial responsibility for reparations and rehabilitation.
Call to Corporations: Corporations are urged to refuse involvement in or direct linkage to Israel’s “unlawful actions” and to ensure they are not contributing to human rights violations.
Call to Civil Society: The public and civil society are encouraged to continue campaigning for states to meet their legal obligations and to denounce companies contributing to violations. Emphasis on Action over words: Callamard stresses that the conference must lead to concrete commitments and actions, not just “empty, performative exercises” or “false promises.” The survival of Palestinians is at stake.
* Context of a Conference: The statement is made in the context of a “High-level International Conference for the Peaceful settlement of the Question,” co-chaired by France and Saudi Arabia.
In essence, Amnesty International is using this statement to pressure governments and international bodies to take decisive action to end the violence, ensure humanitarian aid, and hold Israel accountable for alleged violations of international law.
