The crisis in Gaza and the Occupied Palestinian Territory has now surpassed 400 days, where civilians, healthcare workers, humanitarians and journalists are being attacked or paying the ultimate price – with their lives.
In January 2024, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) ruled that there is a grave risk of genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, ordering Israel to take preliminary measures to protect civilians. In September 2024, the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution demanding that Israel end its unlawful presence in the Occupied Palestinian Territory within 12 months, in compliance with the ICJ advisory opinion.
On International Day of Solidarity with Palestinian People, we are reminded that Palestinian people have not yet achieved their human rights, including self-determination, national independence and sovereignty, and the right of return of refugees.
For 76 years, Palestinians have fought for human rights. We honour their resilience, courage and dignity as we listen to Nasser, Samah, Bushra, Hanan, Amin and Karam describe their continued fight for freedom.
Following the recent announcement that the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister of Israel; Yoav Gallant, former Israeli Minister of Defence and al-Qassam brigades commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri, known as Deif, (in the absence of confirmation of his reported death), for charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity, Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory Spokesperson said:
“Palestinian Australians will today be heartened by these signs of the restoration of international law. No one is above the law and perpetrators must be brought to justice, regardless of who they are.”
Mohamed Duar, Amnesty International Australia’s Occupied Palestinian Territory Spokesperson
“Palestinian Australians will today be heartened by these signs of the restoration of international law. No one is above the law and perpetrators must be brought to justice, regardless of who they are.
This is a historic moment in the pursuit of justice for civilians in Gaza, who are already at grave risk of genocide, and Palestinians who live under an unlawful occupation enabled by the system of oppression and domination of apartheid.”
Amnesty International’s Secretary General Agnès Callamard said:
“The wheels of international justice have finally caught up with those who are alleged to be responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Palestine and Israel. Today’s arrest warrants represent a historic breakthrough for justice and must signal the beginning of the end of the persistent and pervasive impunity at the heart of the human rights crisis in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territory.“
Where could Netanyahu, Gallant and Al-Masri face arrest?
124 state parties, including Australia, across six continents are legally bound to enforce the arrest warrants of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, his former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and al-Qassam brigades commander Mohammed Diab Ibrahim Al-Masri.
As a Member State of the ICC, Australia must enforce these arrest warrants should Netanyahu, Gallant or Al-Masri enter Australian territory.
Amnesty is urgently calling for a sustained ceasefire by all parties to end civilian suffering and ensure humanitarian aid access to Gaza.
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