Strasbourg Policy Centre (SPC) deplores severe concern for the latest research of Amnesty International that accuses Israel of perpetuating a “live-streamed genocide” in Gaza via the institutional elimination of civilian life, basic infrastructure, and key services. The Centre demands urgent action on behalf of worldwide institutions and democratically elected governments to act urgently and stop the unfolding humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, with accountability in regard to war crimes under international law.
In its yearly report, Amnesty International claims that since October 7, 2023, when there were the Hamas-led attacks that killed 1,218 individuals in Israel and kidnapped 251 people, Israel has waged a retaliatory campaign with “specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza.” Amnesty considers this to be an act of genocide. More than 52,000 Palestinians have since been murdered by Israeli military actions, which have also destroyed civilian infrastructure such as homes, hospitals, schools, and water systems.
Amnesty Secretary General Agnès Callamard declared: “Since 7 October 2023… the world has been made audience to a live-streamed genocide.” Whole families have been eliminated, and virtually the whole population of Gaza has been displaced by force. Shortages of fuel have brought down emergency medical services, civil defense agencies reporting that the lives of hundreds of thousands are now under direct threat as a result of shortages of ambulances and electricity.
The Strasbourg Policy Centre repeats Amnesty International’s urgent appeal for action and calls on the following:
- The United Nations Security Council to immediately approve an independent investigation into reported war crimes and genocide in Gaza.
- All states are supposed to halt arms transfers and military aid to belligerents engaged in violations of international humanitarian law.
- Humanitarian corridors must be established and secured to facilitate safe passage of aid, fuel, and medical care into the Gaza Strip.
- The International Criminal Court must prioritize investigation of the genocide crimes and crimes against humanity that have been committed in this ongoing conflict.
- Israel must cease indiscriminate attacks, respect international legal obligations, and provide unimpeded humanitarian access.
SPC also calls on those governments that have been complicit or silent to change their position in the face of compelling evidence of civilian hardship and systemic targeting of the Palestinian people.
The Strasbourg Policy Centre joins all victims of repression and violence and reaffirms the international community’s responsibility to prevent genocide, protect civilians, and enforce the rule of law—without exception or delay.
