The Israel-Palestine conflict from a criminal law perspective

23/10/2023

Coluna Fictio Iuris

The situation of the bombings in Palestine is highly complex and delicate, so any discussion about the possible criminal responsibilities of Israel must consider various legal, political, and humanitarian factors. It is for this reason that, given the difficulty of the scenario that has emerged, it is essential to address some of the legal areas in which the possible criminal responsibilities of Israel could be analyzed.

First and foremost, a necessary reference must be made to International Humanitarian Law, which establishes rules and principles governing armed conflicts, including conflicts between Israel and Palestine. In situations of conflict, parties are obligated to respect the fundamental principles of International Humanitarian Law, such as the distinction between combatants and civilians, proportionality in the use of force, and the protection of civilian persons and property. In this regard, criminal responsibilities could be raised if it is demonstrated that Israel violated these rules.

On the other hand, the current legal reality marked by Human Rights means that the bombings in Palestine must also be considered in the context of these rights since military actions resulting in serious violations of human rights, such as indiscriminate attacks against civilians or the destruction of civilian infrastructure without military justification, may lead to criminal responsibility.

Thirdly, one must also consider the scenario in which Israel could face the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court if it is determined that it has committed or is committing war crimes or crimes against humanity in the conflict with Palestine. Additionally, the possibility of command responsibility must be considered, under which, apart from holding the direct perpetrators accountable, it is possible to seek the criminal responsibility of commanders and political leaders in Israel if it is demonstrated that they ordered or permitted illegal actions.

Finally, it should be noted that at the international level, a state can be considered responsible for the actions of its armed forces in conflict situations, which, like the previous scenarios, could lead to criminal responsibilities.

Based on all of the above, it is important to highlight that the issue of criminal responsibility in conflict situations is highly controversial and typically subject to thorough investigations and legal proceedings, in which impartial investigations and access to evidence are essential to determine guilt or innocence in such situations.

Ultimately, the determination of Israel's criminal responsibility in relation to the recent bombings in Palestine depends on a detailed assessment of the facts, applicable law, and relevant legal procedures. Given the complexity of the situation, it is important for these issues to be addressed through appropriate legal and judicial mechanisms.

 

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