Legal advisor Osama Saad has firmly stated that the Israeli occupation is repeatedly committing war crimes by targeting shelters and schools that are housing displaced persons in the Gaza Strip. He described these actions as a clear violation of international treaties, conventions, and norms.
In a special statement, Saad detailed how these attacks breach the Fourth Geneva Convention, established on 12th August 1949, as well as the Hague Conventions, which set out the rights and responsibilities of neutral powers and individuals during land warfare.
He emphasised that these war crimes are being perpetrated with the extensive support of the United States and other Western nations, who have thus far blocked any punitive measures against Israel’s actions, effectively enabling further violations.
Saad also highlighted the international community's response, pointing out that despite a significant vote in the United Nations General Assembly advocating for Palestinian rights—calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire, and supporting the operations of UNRWA—the United States opposed both resolutions. This continued American opposition signals unwavering support for the Israeli occupation, further undermining international bodies like UNRWA, which was established through global consensus to provide aid and protection to Palestinians.
He added that the ongoing Israeli attacks on schools used as shelters, the destruction of hospitals and places of worship, and the demolition of residential homes with their occupants all constitute war crimes and crimes against humanity, as defined by the Rome Statute that established the International Criminal Court. As a result, the ICC’s preliminary chamber has already issued arrest warrants for the Israeli Prime Minister and his Defence Minister.
Saad concluded with a call for a global movement that rises above the influence of American veto power. He strongly criticised the United States for its frequent and unprecedented use of the veto in the Security Council, which has effectively paralysed the Council’s ability to take decisive action and maintain international peace and security. He warned that the credibility of international institutions is at stake, as their failure to act in accordance with their mandates—due to the US stance—directly contradicts the principles of international justice, as embodied by the International Criminal Court.
In the latest reports, at least seven Palestinian civilians were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on Al-Majda School on Al-Jalaa Street in Gaza City. Additional casualties were reported from attacks on the Holy Family School in western Gaza City.
Yesterday, at least three Palestinians were also killed, with many others wounded, in an attack on a school sheltering displaced persons on Yafa Street in northeastern Gaza City, as well as in a strike on a tent sheltering displaced persons in Khan Younis.
