UN's Navi Pillay: Israel has 'no intention of ending occupation' | Talk to Al Jazeera
Oct 28, 2023
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Navi Pillay, chair of the UN Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, discusses the ongoing conflict and occupation. She highlights the militarized law enforcement operations of Israel, attacks on Gaza, and the commission's report. Topics include the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akhle, attacks on the UN and the Secretary General, and parallels between the Israeli occupation and apartheid in South Africa.
The United Nations Commission of Inquiry finds that Israel's military operations and attacks on Gaza are aimed at maintaining its unlawful occupation.
Both Israel and Hamas have committed war crimes, including indiscriminate attacks on civilians, violating international law.
Deep dives
Investigation into Violations of International Humanitarian Law
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory and Israel was established to investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian law and identify those responsible. The commission, led by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Navi Pillay, aims to uncover the underlying causes, document evidence, and make recommendations. The mandate of the commission covers the increasingly militarized law enforcement operations of Israel and repeated attacks on Gaza, which are seen as maintaining an unlawful occupation. The commission has broad jurisdiction over Israel, Palestine, the West Bank, and Gaza, and is authorized to investigate emerging issues.
War Crimes and Collective Punishment
The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in war crimes committed by both parties, according to the commission's findings. The indiscriminate attacks on civilians, including children, by both Israel and Hamas are deemed excessive and disproportionate, violating international law. The commission concludes that these actions cannot be justified as self-defense and instead amount to collective punishment. The massive bombardment by Israel, including the cutting off of essential services like water, electricity, and limited aid supplies, is considered a violation of international law and amounts to war crimes.
Investigation Into Journalist Killing and Israeli Actions
The commission's investigation includes the killing of journalist Shireen Abu Akhle. The commission has identified the Israeli Defense Force unit responsible for her death and has begun investigations to establish the chain of command and individual legal responsibilities. Israel's changing explanations for the incident raise suspicions about the truthfulness of their claims. The commission also addresses Israel's practice of forced deportations and displacement of Palestinians, including recent orders for residents in Gaza to move south, which may amount to forced deportation. These actions, in addition to the denial of access for investigations and the labeling of the commission as biased, highlight the need for justice, accountability, and international intervention.
Navi Pillay chairs the United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.
Weeks before Hamas carried out its October 7 surprise offensive in southern Israel, and Israel launched a major military operation in Gaza, Pillay released a report.
It says: "The commission finds the increasingly militarised law enforcement operations of Israel and repeated attacks by Israel on Gaza are aimed at maintaining its unlawful 56-year occupation."
With the latest escalation now in its third week, Navi Pillay talks to Al Jazeera.
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