Introduction

Lawyers for Justice follows with deep concern the recent decisions issued by the Israeli Prime Minister, which include tightening the siege on the population of the West Bank and closing the only land crossing available to them. This constitutes collective punishment, in clear violation of the most basic rules of international law and the international human rights framework. These decisions come in the context of political pressure on the Palestinian people to deter them from pursuing their legitimate right to recognition of the State of Palestine.

Legal Dimensions

Violation of International Humanitarian Law: The closure of crossings and the tightening of restrictions on civilians in the West Bank represent a clear violation of Article (33) of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits collective punishment.

Violation of the Right to Freedom of Movement: International covenants, including Article (12) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, guarantee the right to freedom of movement and to leave and return to occupied territories.

Undermining Fundamental Rights: These measures restrict access to essential health, education, and economic services, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation caused by the ongoing military occupation.

Political and Humanitarian Dimensions

These policies are unfolding amidst mounting international pressure on Israel to recognize the State of Palestine, exposing the instrumentalization of humanitarian suffering as a bargaining tool.

The continued imposition of the siege threatens social stability and security, while further deepening poverty, unemployment, and forced isolation imposed on millions of Palestinians.

Position of Lawyers for Justice

We firmly reject these policies and measures, which amount to a war crime under the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.

We call upon the international community, including the United Nations, the European Union, and the International Committee of the Red Cross, to shoulder their legal and moral responsibilities by compelling the Israeli authorities to retract these unjust decisions.

We demand the opening of all crossings for Palestinians without restrictions or conditions, and the guarantee of their inalienable right to self-determination and the establishment of their independent state on their land.

Recommendations

Urgent diplomatic pressure must be exerted on the Israeli government to end the siege and immediately reopen the Karameh (Allenby) crossing.

International accountability mechanisms must be activated against the Israeli officials responsible for these decisions.

Global solidarity with the Palestinian people must be strengthened, and their legitimate right to freedom and independence must be supported.