Demand Justice Now for all victims of the Gaza Conflict – Act Now

Jan. 27, 2011 UPDATE:  See new video below.

AI Norway (photo: Kristian Hvesser)

This past December 27th marked the second year anniversary of the Israeli air strikes over the Gaza Strip that killed and injured hundreds, including over 300 children as the initial attacks took place as children were leaving school.

More Palestinians were killed in that one day than in all 60 years of conflict between Israel and the Palestinians in the Occupied Territories; it also was the first day of 22 long, torturous days of death and destruction.

Over 1400 Palestinians and 13 Israelis were killed during the conflict in Gaza and southern Israel – three of the Israelis and the majority of the Palestinian fatalities were civilians. In September 2009, a UN-mandated Fact-Finding Mission (UN FFM) led by Justice Richard Goldstone published its findings that found both Israeli forces and Palestinian armed groups had committed grave violations of international law, including war crimes and possible crimes against humanity during the conflict. The report recommended that the relevant authorities should investigate the crimes it identified and that, if they failed to do so, the UN Security Council should refer the situation to the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Well, it’s time to Demand Justice.

It’s been two years since the ceasefires and almost one-and-a-half years since Justice Goldstone presented the findings of the UN FFM. Both Palestinians and Israelis deserve accountability, justice and reparations and it’s time for the international justice process to be allowed to continue.

An independent Committee of Experts, appointed to analyse the investigations by both Israel and Hamas, the de facto administration in Gaza, came to the same conclusion as Amnesty International – the government of Israel and Hamas have both failed to conduct investigations that are credible, independent and in conformity with international law, or to demonstrate a commitment to prosecuting the perpetrators of violations.

The Human Rights Council has failed the victims of the Gaza Conflict by continuing to extend the deadline on the domestic investigations and stalling the process.

And the international community of nations has  failed and betrayed the people of Gaza by allowing justice to be stalled and the Israeli blockade on the Gaza Strip to continue.

Amnesty International continues to call for an international justice solution for all victims of this conflict.  The political will of many of the states in the Human Rights Council is just not there – yet.  It will take a united effort by concerned citizens of the world to let their governments know that they stand with the victims and ‘Demand Justice Now’.  Get involved and make a difference.  Take action.  Sign the AI petition that targets the Human Rights Council and/or send an email or letter to U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton urging her to not block these efforts, but support a resolution that will advance international justice for all victims of this tragedy.

January 27, UPDATE:  On January 26, 2011, Channel 4 News in the United Kingdom aired an exclusive interview with three Israeli soldiers who say they were ordered to ‘cleanse’ neighborhoods and that the IDF was going into the Gaza Strip intentionally using ‘disproportionate’ force.  The news website article states, “… this is the first time Israeli soldiers have come forward publicly with claims that counter those of their bosses.”  See interview clip here:

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18 thoughts on “Demand Justice Now for all victims of the Gaza Conflict – Act Now

  1. http://www.mfa.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/8E841A98-1755-

    GAZA OPERATION INVESTIGATIONS: AN UPDATE

    1. This Paper describes Israel's process for investigating alleged violations of the Law of Armed Conflict. It focuses in particular on investigations, legal proceedings, and lessons learned in relation to the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza from 27 December 2008 through 18 January 2009 ( also known as "Operation Cast Lead").

    CONTENTS OF PART II. OVERVIEW OF ISRAEL'S SYSTEM FOR REVIEWING MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS (Page 3 of full report)

    A. The Military Justice System
    (1) The Military Advocate General's Corps
    (2) The Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID)
    (3) The Military Courts
    B. Civilian Supervision Over the Military Justice System
    (1) Attorney General of Israel
    (2) Supreme Court of Israel

    CONTENTS OF PART III. THE INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT (Page 12 of full report)

    A. Sources of Complaints
    B. Military Advocate General Screening and Referral
    C. Command Investigations
    D. Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions
    E. The Similar Investigatory Systems of Other States
    (1) United Kingdom
    (2) United States
    (3) Australia
    (4) Canada
    (5) Summary

    CONTENTS OF PART IV. COMPLAINTS ALLEGING VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT DURING THE GAZA OPERATION (Page 26 of full report)

    A. Command Investigations
    (1) Five Special Command Investigations Opened Upon the Conclusion of the Gaza Operation
    (i) Claims regarding incidents in which a large number of civilians not directly participating in the hostilities were harmed
    (ii) Claims regarding incidents where U.N. and international facilities were fired upon and damaged during the Gaza Operation
    (iii) Incidents involving shooting at medical facilities, buildings, vehicles and crews
    (iv) Destruction of private property and infrastructure by ground forces
    (v) The use of weaponry containing phosphorous
    (vi) Concluding observations
    (2) Additional Special Command Investigation
    (3) Other Command Investigations

    B. Criminal Investigations

    C. Incidents Discussed in Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Report
    (1) Namar wells group, Salah ad-Din Street, Jabaliyah refugee camp
    (2) The Gaza wastewater treatment plant, Road No. 10, al-Sheikh Ejlin, Gaza City
    (i) The date of the incident
    (ii) The possibility of an aerial strike
    (iii) The possibility of a ground attack
    (iv) The possible causes of damage to the basin
    (3) El-Bader flour mill
    (4) The house of Abu-Askar family

  2. http://www.mfa.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/8E841A98-1755-

    GAZA OPERATION INVESTIGATIONS: AN UPDATE

    1. This Paper describes Israel's process for investigating alleged violations of the Law of Armed Conflict. It focuses in particular on investigations, legal proceedings, and lessons learned in relation to the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza from 27 December 2008 through 18 January 2009 ( also known as "Operation Cast Lead").

    CONTENTS OF PART II. OVERVIEW OF ISRAEL'S SYSTEM FOR REVIEWING MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS (Page 3 of full report)

    A. The Military Justice System
    (1) The Military Advocate General's Corps
    (2) The Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID)
    (3) The Military Courts
    B. Civilian Supervision Over the Military Justice System
    (1) Attorney General of Israel
    (2) Supreme Court of Israel

    CONTENTS OF PART III. THE INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT (Page 12 of full report)

    A. Sources of Complaints
    B. Military Advocate General Screening and Referral
    C. Command Investigations
    D. Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions
    E. The Similar Investigatory Systems of Other States
    (1) United Kingdom
    (2) United States
    (3) Australia
    (4) Canada
    (5) Summary

    CONTENTS OF PART IV. COMPLAINTS ALLEGING VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT DURING THE GAZA OPERATION (Page 26 of full report)

    A. Command Investigations
    (1) Five Special Command Investigations Opened Upon the Conclusion of the Gaza Operation
    (i) Claims regarding incidents in which a large number of civilians not directly participating in the hostilities were harmed
    (ii) Claims regarding incidents where U.N. and international facilities were fired upon and damaged during the Gaza Operation
    (iii) Incidents involving shooting at medical facilities, buildings, vehicles and crews
    (iv) Destruction of private property and infrastructure by ground forces
    (v) The use of weaponry containing phosphorous
    (vi) Concluding observations
    (2) Additional Special Command Investigation
    (3) Other Command Investigations

    B. Criminal Investigations

    C. Incidents Discussed in Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Report
    (1) Namar wells group, Salah ad-Din Street, Jabaliyah refugee camp
    (2) The Gaza wastewater treatment plant, Road No. 10, al-Sheikh Ejlin, Gaza City
    (i) The date of the incident
    (ii) The possibility of an aerial strike
    (iii) The possibility of a ground attack
    (iv) The possible causes of damage to the basin
    (3) El-Bader flour mill
    (4) The house of Abu-Askar family

  3. http://www.mfa.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/8E841A98-1755-

    GAZA OPERATION INVESTIGATIONS: AN UPDATE

    1. This Paper describes Israel's process for investigating alleged violations of the Law of Armed Conflict. It focuses in particular on investigations, legal proceedings, and lessons learned in relation to the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza from 27 December 2008 through 18 January 2009 ( also known as "Operation Cast Lead").

    CONTENTS OF PART II. OVERVIEW OF ISRAEL'S SYSTEM FOR REVIEWING MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS (Page 3 of full report)

    A. The Military Justice System
    (1) The Military Advocate General's Corps
    (2) The Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID)
    (3) The Military Courts
    B. Civilian Supervision Over the Military Justice System
    (1) Attorney General of Israel
    (2) Supreme Court of Israel

    CONTENTS OF PART III. THE INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT (Page 12 of full report)

    A. Sources of Complaints
    B. Military Advocate General Screening and Referral
    C. Command Investigations
    D. Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions
    E. The Similar Investigatory Systems of Other States
    (1) United Kingdom
    (2) United States
    (3) Australia
    (4) Canada
    (5) Summary

    CONTENTS OF PART IV. COMPLAINTS ALLEGING VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT DURING THE GAZA OPERATION (Page 26 of full report)

    A. Command Investigations
    (1) Five Special Command Investigations Opened Upon the Conclusion of the Gaza Operation
    (i) Claims regarding incidents in which a large number of civilians not directly participating in the hostilities were harmed
    (ii) Claims regarding incidents where U.N. and international facilities were fired upon and damaged during the Gaza Operation
    (iii) Incidents involving shooting at medical facilities, buildings, vehicles and crews
    (iv) Destruction of private property and infrastructure by ground forces
    (v) The use of weaponry containing phosphorous
    (vi) Concluding observations
    (2) Additional Special Command Investigation
    (3) Other Command Investigations

    B. Criminal Investigations

    C. Incidents Discussed in Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Report
    (1) Namar wells group, Salah ad-Din Street, Jabaliyah refugee camp
    (2) The Gaza wastewater treatment plant, Road No. 10, al-Sheikh Ejlin, Gaza City
    (i) The date of the incident
    (ii) The possibility of an aerial strike
    (iii) The possibility of a ground attack
    (iv) The possible causes of damage to the basin
    (3) El-Bader flour mill
    (4) The house of Abu-Askar family

  4. http://www.mfa.gov.il/NR/rdonlyres/8E841A98-1755-413D-A1D2-8B30F64022BE/0/GazaOperationInvestigationsUpdate.pdf

    GAZA OPERATION INVESTIGATIONS: AN UPDATE

    1. This Paper describes Israel’s process for investigating alleged violations of the Law of Armed Conflict. It focuses in particular on investigations, legal proceedings, and lessons learned in relation to the actions of the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) in Gaza from 27 December 2008 through 18 January 2009 ( also known as “Operation Cast Lead”).

    CONTENTS OF PART II. OVERVIEW OF ISRAEL’S SYSTEM FOR REVIEWING MISCONDUCT ALLEGATIONS (Page 3 of full report)

    A. The Military Justice System
    (1) The Military Advocate General’s Corps
    (2) The Military Police Criminal Investigation Division (MPCID)
    (3) The Military Courts
    B. Civilian Supervision Over the Military Justice System
    (1) Attorney General of Israel
    (2) Supreme Court of Israel

    CONTENTS OF PART III. THE INVESTIGATION OF ALLEGED VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT (Page 12 of full report)

    A. Sources of Complaints
    B. Military Advocate General Screening and Referral
    C. Command Investigations
    D. Criminal Investigations and Prosecutions
    E. The Similar Investigatory Systems of Other States
    (1) United Kingdom
    (2) United States
    (3) Australia
    (4) Canada
    (5) Summary

    CONTENTS OF PART IV. COMPLAINTS ALLEGING VIOLATIONS OF THE LAW OF ARMED CONFLICT DURING THE GAZA OPERATION (Page 26 of full report)

    A. Command Investigations
    (1) Five Special Command Investigations Opened Upon the Conclusion of the Gaza Operation
    (i) Claims regarding incidents in which a large number of civilians not directly participating in the hostilities were harmed
    (ii) Claims regarding incidents where U.N. and international facilities were fired upon and damaged during the Gaza Operation
    (iii) Incidents involving shooting at medical facilities, buildings, vehicles and crews
    (iv) Destruction of private property and infrastructure by ground forces
    (v) The use of weaponry containing phosphorous
    (vi) Concluding observations
    (2) Additional Special Command Investigation
    (3) Other Command Investigations

    B. Criminal Investigations

    C. Incidents Discussed in Human Rights Council Fact-Finding Report
    (1) Namar wells group, Salah ad-Din Street, Jabaliyah refugee camp
    (2) The Gaza wastewater treatment plant, Road No. 10, al-Sheikh Ejlin, Gaza City
    (i) The date of the incident
    (ii) The possibility of an aerial strike
    (iii) The possibility of a ground attack
    (iv) The possible causes of damage to the basin
    (3) El-Bader flour mill
    (4) The house of Abu-Askar family

  5. Dec. 22, 2009 – AI – Credible, Independent and Conforming to International Standards: Criteria for domestic investigations into violations relating to the conflict in Gaza and southern Israel: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE15/032/

    Sept. 27, 2010 – Amnesty International’s assessment of Israeli and Palestinian investigations into Gaza conflict: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE15/022/

    Sept. 2010 – Committee of Independent Experts report submitted to the Human Rights Council 15th session: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/do

  6. Dec. 22, 2009 – AI – Credible, Independent and Conforming to International Standards: Criteria for domestic investigations into violations relating to the conflict in Gaza and southern Israel: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE15/032/

    Sept. 27, 2010 – Amnesty International’s assessment of Israeli and Palestinian investigations into Gaza conflict: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE15/022/

    Sept. 2010 – Committee of Independent Experts report submitted to the Human Rights Council 15th session: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/do

  7. Dec. 22, 2009 – AI – Credible, Independent and Conforming to International Standards: Criteria for domestic investigations into violations relating to the conflict in Gaza and southern Israel: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE15/032/

    Sept. 27, 2010 – Amnesty International’s assessment of Israeli and Palestinian investigations into Gaza conflict: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE15/022/

    Sept. 2010 – Committee of Independent Experts report submitted to the Human Rights Council 15th session: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/do

  8. Dec. 22, 2009 – AI – Credible, Independent and Conforming to International Standards: Criteria for domestic investigations into violations relating to the conflict in Gaza and southern Israel: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE15/032/2009/en

    Sept. 27, 2010 – Amnesty International’s assessment of Israeli and Palestinian investigations into Gaza conflict: http://www.amnesty.org/en/library/info/MDE15/022/2010/en

    Sept. 2010 – Committee of Independent Experts report submitted to the Human Rights Council 15th session: http://www2.ohchr.org/english/bodies/hrcouncil/docs/15session/A.HRC.15.50_AEV.pdf

  9. What ever you do to another human being whether it's to express love, hate, a geft, condolences, regret, murder, or vandalism. You also do it to yourself. We are one. Gandhi knew this, so did King, and others. Shame on Israel.

  10. Fraternal greetings from across the pond they call the Atlantic. It is so encouraging to see so many active in the USA trying to change the course of governments for the better and to stop the use of war, rape and oppression.

    The media so often portray the USA as being its government and business, forgetting that countries are made up of people.

    As Eric Bogle wrote in his song, 'Singing the spirit Home'

    Chains, Chains Chains, How many souls have died in freedoms name,
    To some its just a way of life, To others just a word,
    To some it is a snow white dove, to some it is a bloody sword,
    Until the last chains fall, our freedom will make slaves of us all,

    Courage brother, you do not walk alone,
    we shall walk with you, and sing your spirit home

    Courage sister,you do not walk alone,
    we shall walk with you, and sing your spirit home
    …………………………………..
    50 years on an we are still walking, writing, hoping
    keeping that freedom flame alive.

    Chris

  11. What ever you do to another human being whether it’s to express love, hate, a geft, condolences, regret, murder, or vandalism. You also do it to yourself. We are one. Gandhi knew this, so did King, and others. Shame on Israel.

  12. Fraternal greetings from across the pond they call the Atlantic. It is so encouraging to see so many active in the USA trying to change the course of governments for the better and to stop the use of war, rape and oppression.

    The media so often portray the USA as being its government and business, forgetting that countries are made up of people.

    As Eric Bogle wrote in his song, ‘Singing the spirit Home’

    Chains, Chains Chains, How many souls have died in freedoms name,
    To some its just a way of life, To others just a word,
    To some it is a snow white dove, to some it is a bloody sword,
    Until the last chains fall, our freedom will make slaves of us all,

    Courage brother, you do not walk alone,
    we shall walk with you, and sing your spirit home

    Courage sister,you do not walk alone,
    we shall walk with you, and sing your spirit home
    …………………………………..
    50 years on an we are still walking, writing, hoping
    keeping that freedom flame alive.

    Chris

  13. Israel cannot pretend to be a country of justice and law as long as it continues to practice human rights abuses against Palestinians and their supporters.

  14. Israel cannot pretend to be a country of justice and law as long as it continues to practice human rights abuses against Palestinians and their supporters.

  15. Israel has forsaken its calling to be God's Chosen People and now betrays its prophets, ignores its commandments and brings shame on its head.

  16. Israel has forsaken its calling to be God’s Chosen People and now betrays its prophets, ignores its commandments and brings shame on its head.

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