The UN has long legitimised Israel’s dehumanisation of Palestinians

Collective punishment is a war crime under international humanitarian law, as per Article 33 of the Fourth Geneva Convention. When Palestinians are punished in this way, the international community is cautious enough to avoid the subject and focus instead on Israel’s “security” narrative and purported “right to defend itself”. As an occupying power, it has no such right to claim self-defence against the people living under occupation. Yesterday, Israel’s Defence Minister Yoav Gallant ordered a total blockade of Gaza. “There will be no electricity, no food, no fuel, everything is closed,” Gallant asserted. “We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly.” UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said that he is “deeply distressed” about this. However, the collective punishment of … Continue reading The UN has long legitimised Israel’s dehumanisation of Palestinians