New York, April 29 2025 — An ever-expanding chorus of legal experts and human rights organizations have accused Israel of repeatedly breaking international law in its military campaign in Gaza and the occupied Palestinian territories, with no significant repercussions from international authorities.
Multiple UN Special Rapporteurs and global rights watchdogs issued statements this week condemning Israel’s actions — such as targeted bombardments, collective punishment, forced displacement and restrictions on humanitarian aid — as violations of Articles 1 and 2 of the UN Charter, which mandate member states to uphold peace, sovereignty and human rights.
“Israel’s violation of UN Charter principles has gone undetected by any sanctions or accountability measures implemented to date, signaling the impending collapse of an order-based international system,” according to Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in occupied Palestinian territories. This poses a grave risk for global peace.
Since October 2024, when conflict flared in Gaza, over 34,000 Palestinians — including thousands of women and children — have been killed according to UN reports. Entire neighborhoods have been leveled, hospitals bombed, aid convoys blocked or delayed and humanitarian agencies threatened with sanctions by member states have called upon Israel for action; yet their diplomatic fallout remains limited due to repeated vetoes by key allies on Security Council resolutions.
Legal experts believe this double standard undermines international law credibility. As noted by Professor Michael Lynk, former UN Human Rights Rapporteur. We are witnessing an increase in impunity.
In March, the UN General Assembly adopted a nonbinding resolution demanding an immediate ceasefire and access for humanitarian agencies into Gaza. Israel rejected this call claiming its military operations are defensive in nature and intended to dismantle Hamas following their deadly attack against Israeli soil in October.
Israeli officials have vigorously denied allegations of war crimes and Charter violations, calling such accusations politically motivated and part of a campaign to delegitimize their state. Israel maintains its compliance with international law while investigating credible allegations of misconduct.
Palestinians and rights advocates alike, however, view global institutions’ ongoing inaction as raising grave concerns about justice and equality within international governance.
“International law cannot protect the people of Gaza from suffering and displacement, so what good is it doing?” Albanese asked rhetorically. The world must stop looking away.