The United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory recently released a position paper detailing the unlawful nature of Israel’s presence in the area and calling for global intervention. As articulated in the document, all states and international organizations, including the United Nations itself, are urged to take immediate actions to cease Israel’s activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. This call to action surfaces amid increasing violence and a worsening humanitarian crisis, especially following intensified military operations by Israel in Gaza.
The Commission’s position paper underscores a sequence of events triggered by Israel’s military operations, exacerbated by the ongoing expansion of settlements and what is deemed as military actions violating international laws. The unrest has its roots in Israel’s occupation post the 1967 Six-Day War. The International Court of Justice has also weighed in, recently reaffirming the position that Israel’s presence is illegal and urging an end to settlement expansion activities.
Over recent weeks, the region has witnessed a dramatic escalation in conflict. An attack by Hamas on October 7, which resulted in over 1,000 Israeli casualties, prompted Israel to launch a widespread military campaign in Gaza. Amnesty International reports that more than 21,600 Palestinians have been killed since then, including significant numbers of women and children. The humanitarian crisis is further stressed by a stringent blockade cutting off vital supplies to Gaza’s 2.3 million residents.
The Commission highlights not only military confrontations but also increasing incidents of settler violence in the West Bank, contributing to a record surge in Palestinian casualties and detentions without trial. According to a Human Rights Watch report, the use of excessive force by Israeli forces has been a major factor in this rise.
Established in May 2021, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory is tasked with probing potential violations of international law and human rights within the region. The Commission’s body of work, including this recent position paper, serves to detail both Israeli and Palestinian conduct in the ongoing conflict, raising critical questions about accountability and international legal standards. The original call by the Commission for international intervention is discussed in more depth in JURIST’s coverage of the subject.