Genocide

Do the violations associated with the war in Gaza amount to a Genocide

HUQUQ Editors Comments on Rights, International humanitarian Law, Research Notes Gaza Genocide, Genocide 0

by Amanda Nelson The term “Gaza genocide” refers to allegations and findings that Israel has committed genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. These allegations have been made by various United Nations bodies, human rights organizations, and experts. United Nations Findings: The UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT) has concluded that Israel has committed at least three of the constitutive acts of genocide in Gaza since October 7, 2023. Statements by high-level Israeli military and government officials have been cited as evidence of genocidal intent 1. The UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices Affecting the Human Rights of the Palestinian People determined that Israel’s actions in Gaza are consistent with the characteristics of genocide 1. International Court of Justice (ICJ): On December 29, 2023, South Africa filed an application with the ICJ, accusing Israel of violating its obligations under the Genocide Convention in relation to Palestinians in Gaza. The ICJ issued provisional measures on January 26, 2024, ordering Israel to prevent the commission of acts within Article II of the Genocide Convention and to ensure that Israeli military forces do not commit any of these acts 1. Human Rights Organizations: Amnesty International has concluded that Israel has committed and continues to commit genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Their report documents the systematic destruction of essential infrastructure, including universities, schools, mosques, churches, museums, and libraries 23. Human Rights Watch and other rights organizations have also accused Israel […]

Did Trump implicate US government and himself in crimes when he stated his intent to remove the people of Gaza and take over their land?

Research Assistants Comments on Rights Colonialism, Deportation and Populations Transfer, Genocide, Indigenous peoples Rights, Sovereign Immunity, State Crime 0

Anyone with a general understanding of international law, human rights norms, and historical precedents would recoil at the suggestion that a community be forcibly relocated to other countries while their land is seized by another nation-state. When such statements come from the leader of the world’s most powerful nation, they are cause for serious concern. To grasp the gravity of such remarks, it’s essential to consider the historical, legal, and political context behind them. In 2010, highly respected journalist Helen Thomas faced significant backlash after making a controversial statement suggesting that Jews who had migrated to Israel should return to their countries of origin. While speaking to Rabbi David Nesenoff at the White House during a Jewish Heritage event, she stated that Jews in Israel should “get the hell out of Palestine” and “go home” to places like Poland, Germany, and the United States. Her remarks were widely criticized as anti-Semitic and historically insensitive, given the long history of Jewish persecution in those countries. The consequences went beyond mere criticism—Thomas’s life and career were profoundly transformed. A prominent White House correspondent and columnist for decades, she abruptly retired from her position at Hearst Newspapers following the incident, effectively ending her career in journalism. In addition to losing the job she had excelled at for decades, several organizations rescinded the awards and honors she had previously received. Her comments dominated the news cycle for weeks, drawing widespread condemnation from political figures, media outlets, and advocacy groups, particularly Jewish organizations. Thomas later […]

Ideology and Mass Killing: The Radicalized Security Policies Behind Genocide and Deadly Atrocities

HUQUQ Editors HUQUQ Bookreview Atrocities, Genocide, Mass Killings 0

In his thought-provoking work, “Ideology and Mass Killing: The Radicalized Security Policies Behind Genocide and Deadly Atrocities,” Dr. Jonathan Maynard, a senior lecturer and associate professor in international politics at King’s College London, delves into the disturbing phenomenon of mass murder and its ideological underpinnings. This book, recently translated into Arabic, offers a comprehensive analysis of why ordinary individuals can become perpetrators of horrific acts, and how ideology plays a critical role in justifying these crimes. Dr. Maynard is not new to the discourse on political violence; prior to his tenure at King’s College, he was associated with the University of Oxford. His academic focus encompasses international relations, political theory, and the intersection of ideology with armed conflict and geopolitical competition. His extensive research on the mechanisms of political violence, particularly against civilians, positions him uniquely to tackle the complex issues presented in this book. Spanning 560 pages, the book is structured into nine insightful chapters, each meticulously dissecting the layers of ideology that contribute to mass violence. The introduction sets the stage, presenting the enigma of mass murder and the ideological critiques surrounding it. From there, Maynard systematically explores various dimensions of ideology, its impact on human behavior, and its capacity to incite violence. The book’s structure is as follows: Chapter One: The introduction lays out the framework for understanding the interplay between ideology and mass murder. Maynard presents a compelling argument regarding the necessity of analyzing the ideological motivations that drive individuals to commit such acts. Chapter Two: […]