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Scotsman
04-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Why West can't allow Israel to flout international law in Gaza
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Conflict in the world's hotspots can be overwhelming. Our social media feeds, newspapers and evening TV bulletins are filled with stories of appalling human suffering due to acts of the natural and man-made variety. The latter is always particularly troubling given the ability of humans to inflict harm on one another. Across the world – from the destruction Russia has unleashed on Ukraine to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar to the world's worst humanitarian crisis in Sudan – death and destruction are ever present. All as we continue to wrestle with the existential challenge posed by climate change, it can sometimes seem too much to take in. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Added to this malign mix is the war in Gaza. The latest chapter in this ongoing conflict can be dated to the appalling terrorist acts and slaughter of innocents when Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, leading to the deaths of 1,200 people and the injuring of thousands more. Dozens of hostages taken that day remain in captivity. Buildings destroyed in northern Gaza. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said the numbers of Palestinian victims are reaching 'monstrous proportions' (Picture: Menahem Kahana) | AFP via Getty Images Understanding Israeli anger This terror attack and the subsequent Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip led to a war that has cost the lives of tens of thousands of Gazans. Hundreds more have been killed in the occupied West Bank. Through bombing and starvation, it is the civilians of Gaza, especially children, who pay the heaviest price today. It is at times understandable why so many want to avoid talking about this complex and long-running conflict. It is especially difficult when those advocating for one side or another can be so focused on the wrongs of Hamas or the Israeli government that the civilians and the rules of conflict that seek to protect them are overlooked. As is too often the case in our discourse, polarisation trumps nuance and considered discussion. It seems a statement of the obvious that it is OK to understand Israeli anger over the October 7 killings, in a country where many will have family members with first-hand experience of genocide. It is understandable that Israel takes its security and that of its citizens deeply seriously given that legacy and the fact that its neighbourhood is a rough one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the same time, it is also OK to think that Israel's response is disproportionate, going beyond self-defence, and that it is in breach of international law. One can be appalled at Israel's actions and the extreme levels of human suffering that have been and continue to be visited upon the people of Gaza, whilst also being appalled at Hamas's attacks. As one respected international aid agency put it on the front page of the part of its website covering the war in Gaza: 'Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is horrified by the events that began on Saturday 7 October – both the brutal mass killing of civilians perpetrated by Hamas in Israel, and by the ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians now being pursued by the Israeli military in Gaza.' A one-sided war The loss of perspective in our political discourse and increasing polarisation and disrespect for the international rules-based system will have consequences for everyone. It makes Israel less secure by radicalising yet another generation of Palestinians who will be bearing witness to the violence of such a one-sided war. The impact of polarisation will ensure that debate and discussion become less constructive. Donald Trump's cracking down on freedom of speech on this issue and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashing out at political leaders who dare criticise his government, as appeasers of Hamas, are both attempts to close down constructive debate and freedom of expression. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Democracies are better decision-makers than autocracies because we debate and discuss difficult issues, any undermining of that damages our response to complex challenges. The greatest impact may be on the international rules-based system. That is the system which has kept us secure since the end of the Second World War and that autocrats like President Xi of China and Putin of Russia so badly want to undermine. Among the greatest threats to international law are the perception of double standards and the undermining of that rules-based system by democracies. In recent years, that has been apparent with the invasion of Iraq or even with the UK turning its back on the European Union. Ethnic cleansing There is now significant evidence of Israel's disregard for international law and the weakness of the UK's response simply underlines those accusations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been calls for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and even letting the civilian population die of hunger. This has been criticised by states across Europe and also in Israel itself, with former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert saying that his country is committing 'war crimes' and the deaths of Palestinians are reaching 'monstrous proportions'. Yet, during this period, the UK is still promoting trade with Israel and still selling arms to the country. This comes amid Trump's attack on the International Criminal Court, something that will be welcomed by despots and war criminals who had so much to fear from that institution. The disrespect for international law is hugely damaging to us all. The global rules-based system only works if we apply and respect the basic principles of the rule of law. There can be no special exceptions, and the law must be applied equally without fear or favour. Special dispensation given to Israel by some policymakers in Washington, London and elsewhere is hugely damaging. The rule of law must be respected everywhere, or it is impossible to uphold anywhere. And so how the UK Government responds to any breaches of international law, be it in the Middle East or elsewhere, really does matter.
Scotsman
31-05-2025
- Politics
- Scotsman
Why West can't allow Israel to flout international law in Gaza
Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Conflict in the world's hotspots can be overwhelming. Our social media feeds, newspapers and evening TV bulletins are filled with stories of appalling human suffering due to acts of the natural and man-made variety. The latter is always particularly troubling given the ability of humans to inflict harm on one another. Across the world – from the destruction Russia has unleashed on Ukraine to the ongoing conflict in Myanmar to the world's worst humanitarian crisis in Sudan – death and destruction are ever present. All as we continue to wrestle with the existential challenge posed by climate change, it can sometimes seem too much to take in. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Added to this malign mix is the war in Gaza. The latest chapter in this ongoing conflict can be dated to the appalling terrorist acts and slaughter of innocents when Hamas attacked Israel in October 2023, leading to the deaths of 1,200 people and the injuring of thousands more. Dozens of hostages taken that day remain in captivity. Buildings destroyed in northern Gaza. Former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert has said the numbers of Palestinian victims are reaching 'monstrous proportions' (Picture: Menahem Kahana) | AFP via Getty Images Understanding Israeli anger This terror attack and the subsequent Israeli invasion of the Gaza strip led to a war that has cost the lives of tens of thousands of Gazans. Hundreds more have been killed in the occupied West Bank. Through bombing and starvation, it is the civilians of Gaza, especially children, who pay the heaviest price today. It is at times understandable why so many want to avoid talking about this complex and long-running conflict. It is especially difficult when those advocating for one side or another can be so focused on the wrongs of Hamas or the Israeli government that the civilians and the rules of conflict that seek to protect them are overlooked. As is too often the case in our discourse, polarisation trumps nuance and considered discussion. It seems a statement of the obvious that it is OK to understand Israeli anger over the October 7 killings, in a country where many will have family members with first-hand experience of genocide. It is understandable that Israel takes its security and that of its citizens deeply seriously given that legacy and the fact that its neighbourhood is a rough one. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad At the same time, it is also OK to think that Israel's response is disproportionate, going beyond self-defence, and that it is in breach of international law. One can be appalled at Israel's actions and the extreme levels of human suffering that have been and continue to be visited upon the people of Gaza, whilst also being appalled at Hamas's attacks. As one respected international aid agency put it on the front page of the part of its website covering the war in Gaza: 'Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is horrified by the events that began on Saturday 7 October – both the brutal mass killing of civilians perpetrated by Hamas in Israel, and by the ongoing campaign of ethnic cleansing of Palestinians now being pursued by the Israeli military in Gaza.' A one-sided war The loss of perspective in our political discourse and increasing polarisation and disrespect for the international rules-based system will have consequences for everyone. It makes Israel less secure by radicalising yet another generation of Palestinians who will be bearing witness to the violence of such a one-sided war. The impact of polarisation will ensure that debate and discussion become less constructive. Donald Trump's cracking down on freedom of speech on this issue and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu lashing out at political leaders who dare criticise his government, as appeasers of Hamas, are both attempts to close down constructive debate and freedom of expression. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Democracies are better decision-makers than autocracies because we debate and discuss difficult issues, any undermining of that damages our response to complex challenges. The greatest impact may be on the international rules-based system. That is the system which has kept us secure since the end of the Second World War and that autocrats like President Xi of China and Putin of Russia so badly want to undermine. Among the greatest threats to international law are the perception of double standards and the undermining of that rules-based system by democracies. In recent years, that has been apparent with the invasion of Iraq or even with the UK turning its back on the European Union. Ethnic cleansing There is now significant evidence of Israel's disregard for international law and the weakness of the UK's response simply underlines those accusations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad There have been calls for the ethnic cleansing of Gaza and even letting the civilian population die of hunger. This has been criticised by states across Europe and also in Israel itself, with former Prime Minister Ehud Olmert saying that his country is committing 'war crimes' and the deaths of Palestinians are reaching 'monstrous proportions'. Yet, during this period, the UK is still promoting trade with Israel and still selling arms to the country. This comes amid Trump's attack on the International Criminal Court, something that will be welcomed by despots and war criminals who had so much to fear from that institution. The disrespect for international law is hugely damaging to us all. The global rules-based system only works if we apply and respect the basic principles of the rule of law. There can be no special exceptions, and the law must be applied equally without fear or favour. Special dispensation given to Israel by some policymakers in Washington, London and elsewhere is hugely damaging. The rule of law must be respected everywhere, or it is impossible to uphold anywhere. And so how the UK Government responds to any breaches of international law, be it in the Middle East or elsewhere, really does matter.
RNZ News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Israel may seize all Gaza in expanded operation, officials say
This picture taken from Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip shows burning fields in front of destroyed houses in northern Gaza on May 4, 2025. Photo: Menahem Kahana By Maayan Lubell, Reuters Israel may seize the Gaza Strip and control aid in an expanded offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas that was approved by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet on Monday, officials said. An Israeli defence official said it would not be launched before US President Donald Trump concludes his visit next week to the Middle East. The decision, after weeks of faltering efforts to agree a ceasefire with Hamas, underlines the threat that a war heaping international pressure on Israel amid dwindling public support at home could continue with no end in sight. A government spokesman told journalists online that reserve soldiers were being called up to expand operations in Gaza, not to occupy it. A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing officials with knowledge of the details, said the new plan was gradual and would take months, with forces focusing first on one area of the battered enclave. Israeli troops have already taken over an area amounting to around a third of the Gaza Strip, displacing the population and building watchtowers and surveillance posts on cleared ground the military has described as security zones, but the new plan would go further. One Israeli government official said the newly approved offensive would seize the entire territory of the Gaza Strip, move its civilian population southward and keep humanitarian aid from falling into Hamas hands. The defence official said aid distribution, which has been handled by international aid groups and UN organisations, would be transferred to private companies and handed out in the southern area of Rafah once the offensive begins. The Israeli military, which throughout the war has shown little appetite for occupying Gaza, declined to comment on the remarks by government officials and politicians. Rahaf Ayyad, a 12-year-old Palestinian who is suffering from malnutrition, shows off an old picture of her as she sits at a school-turned-shelter in al-Rimal in central Gaza City on May 4, 2025. Photo: Omar al-Qattaa Israel resumed its offensive in March after the collapse of a US-backed ceasefire that had halted fighting for two months. It has since imposed a blockade of aid into the enclave, drawing warnings from the United Nations and international organizations that the 2.3 million population faces imminent famine. The Israeli defence official said that Israel would hold on to security zones seized along the Gaza perimeter because they were vital for protecting Israeli communities around the enclave. But he said there was a "window of opportunity" for a ceasefire and hostage release deal during a visit by Trump to the region next week. "If there is no hostage deal, Operation "Gideon Chariots" will begin with great intensity and will not stop until all its goals are achieved," he said. Hamas official Mahmoud Mardawi rejected what he called "pressure and blackmail". "No deal except a comprehensive one, which includes a complete ceasefire, full withdrawal from Gaza, reconstruction of the Gaza Strip, and the release of all prisoners from both sides," he said. Israel has yet to present a clear vision for post-war Gaza after a campaign that has displaced most of Gaza's population and left it depending on aid supplies that have been dwindling rapidly since the blockade. Ministers have said that aid distribution cannot be left to international organisations which it accuses of allowing Hamas to seize supplies intended for the civilian population. Instead, officials have looked at plans for private contractors to handle distribution, through what the United Nations has described as Israeli hubs. On Monday, Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said on X that Israel was demanding that the UN and non-governmental organisations shut down their aid distribution system in Gaza. However, the decision to expand the operation was immediately hailed by Israeli government hardliners who have long pressed for a full takeover of the Gaza Strip by Israel and a permanent displacement of the population, along the line of the "Riviera" plans outlined by Trump in February. "We are finally going to conquer Gaza. We are no longer afraid of the word 'occupation'," Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich told a pro-settler conference in an online discussion. However, with Israel facing threats from the Iranian-backed Houthis in Yemen, who on Sunday fired a missile that hit close to Ben Gurion Airport, an unstable Syria next door and a volatile situation in the occupied West Bank, the capacity for prolonged military operations faces constraints. Israel's Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that the military has already begun issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for its reserve forces, looking to expand the Gaza campaign. Zamir, who took office in March, has pushed back against calls by government hardliners who want to choke off aid entirely and has told ministers aid must be let in soon, according to Kan. The war was triggered by the Hamas 7 October, 2023 attack on Israel that killed 1200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies, and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza in the deadliest day for Israel in its history. Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to local health authorities, and left much of Gaza in ruins. Up to 24 of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be alive. Families fear that the fighting will endanger their loved ones while critics say Israel risks being drawn into a long guerrilla war with limited gains and no clear strategy. Successive surveys have shown dwindling public support for the war among Israelis, many of whom prefer to see a ceasefire deal reached and more hostages released. - Reuters
RNZ News
05-05-2025
- Politics
- RNZ News
Israeli leadership votes to expand Gaza ground offensive
This picture taken from Israel's southern border with the Gaza Strip shows burning fields in front of destroyed houses in northern Gaza on May 4, 2025. Photo: Menahem Kahana By Maayan Lubell, Reuters Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's security cabinet voted to scale up the offensive against Palestinian militant group Hamas in Gaza to the point of seizing the entire enclave and holding its territories, an Israeli official said on Monday. A report by Israel's public broadcaster Kan, citing officials with knowledge of the details, said the new plan was gradual and would take months, with forces focusing first on one area of the battered enclave. Such a timeline could leave the door open for a ceasefire and hostage release deal talks ahead of a visit by US President Donald Trump to the region next week, according to security cabinet minister Zeev Elkin. "There is still a window of opportunity until President Trump concludes his visit to the Middle East, if Hamas understands we are serious," Elkin told Kan on Monday. Already in control of around a third of Gaza's territory, Israel resumed ground operations in March after the collapse of a US-backed ceasefire that had halted fighting for two months. It has since imposed a total blockade of aid into the enclave. Elkin said that rather than launching raids in specific areas and then leaving them as the military had done so far, the Israeli forces will now hold the territories they seize, until Hamas is defeated or agrees to disarm and leave Gaza. Hamas has ruled out such calls. Israel has yet to present a clear vision for post-war Gaza as it faces international pressure to end a campaign that has displaced most of Gaza's 2.3 million population and left it depending on aid supplies that have been dwindling rapidly since the blockade. The Israeli official said that the newly approved offensive plan would move Gaza's civilian population southward and keep humanitarian aid from falling into Hamas hands, though the blockade will not be lifted yet. Rahaf Ayyad, a 12-year-old Palestinian who is suffering from malnutrition, shows off an old picture of her as she sits at a school-turned-shelter in al-Rimal in central Gaza City on May 4, 2025. Photo: Omar al-Qattaa The United Nations on Sunday rejected what it said was a new plan for aid to be distributed in what it described as Israeli hubs. On Monday, Jan Egeland, Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, said on X that Israel was demanding that the UN and non-governmental organisations shut down their aid distribution system in Gaza. "They want to manipulate and militarize all aid to civilians, forcing us to deliver supplies through hubs designed by the Israeli military, once the government agrees to re-open crossings. NRC will stand by our humanitarian principles and will, with all our peers, refuse to take part in this new scheme." Israel's Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir said on Sunday that the military has already begun issuing tens of thousands of call-up orders for its reserve forces, looking to expand the Gaza campaign. He later warned ministers that aid must be let into Gaza soon, according to Kan. The war was triggered by the Hamas 7 October, 2023 attack on Israel, that killed 1200 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli tallies, and saw 251 taken hostage into Gaza in the deadliest day for Israel in its history. Israel's ground and air campaign in Gaza has since killed more than 52,000 Palestinians, most of them civilians according to local health authorities, and left much of Gaza in ruins. Up to 24 of the 59 hostages still held in Gaza are believed to be alive. Families fear that the fighting will endanger their loved ones while critics say Israel risks being drawn into a long guerrilla war with limited gains and no clear strategy. Successive surveys have shown dwindling public support for the war among Israelis, many of whom prefer to see a ceasefire deal reached and more hostages released. Hamas says it will release hostages only as part of a deal that will end the war and see Israeli forces withdraw from all of Gaza. - Reuters
Middle East Eye
27-04-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Death toll from Israeli strikes on Gaza rises
At least 21 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks across the Gaza Strip since dawn on Sunday, Al Jazeera reported. Air strikes were reported in several areas, including Khan Younis, Deir al-Balah and Gaza City. Smoke plumes can be seen rising after Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip on 27 April 2025 (Menahem Kahana/AFP)
