On November 2, 2023, Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia Zuhair Al-Shun called for international economic sanctions against Israel due to its military actions in Gaza. He emphasized the need for Israel’s isolation and sanctioning to enforce compliance with international law, especially after the UNGA’s recent humanitarian resolution. The Palestinian leadership is urging investigations into potential war crimes by both Israel and Hamas, as international concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensify.
On November 2, 2023, during a candle-lighting event at the Palestinian Embassy in Jakarta, the Palestinian Ambassador to Indonesia, Zuhair Al-Shun, urged the international community to impose economic sanctions against Israel. He condemned the ongoing bombardments and blockades affecting the Gaza Strip and asserted that it is essential for Israel to be isolated. Al-Shun specified that sanctions should encompass economic, political, and travel restrictions. He emphasized the necessity of such sanctions in light of Israel’s disregard for international requests for a ceasefire amidst ongoing violence in Gaza (“They refused to listen to anyone,”). The call for sanctions aligns with international measures employed to compel a change in state behavior, exemplified by economic sanctions against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine. The United Nations General Assembly recently passed a resolution for a humanitarian truce between Israel and Hamas, achieving support from 120 nations, despite opposition from 14 others, including the U.S. and Israel. Ambassador Al-Shun criticized the lack of compliance by Israel, which continues its military actions despite the resolution. Furthermore, Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad Al-Maliki has been active in pressing for an International Criminal Court (ICC) investigation into Israeli actions that could be categorized as war crimes. ICC’s Chief Prosecutor Karim Khan reiterated that both Israel and Hamas are under scrutiny for potential war crimes, with specific accusations regarding the withholding of humanitarian aid qualifying as serious violations under international law. In this context, Al-Shun called for a unified effort from the international community to uphold international law concerning the treatment of Palestinians, denouncing any protective measures extended to Israel against its actions. As the violence persists, concerns about war crimes and humanitarian violations continue to resonate within international discourse, highlighting the urgent need for accountability and resolution in the ongoing Israel-Palestine conflict.
The call for economic sanctions against Israel stems from ongoing violence and humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip, exacerbated by Israeli military actions that have led to significant civilian suffering. The international community has increasingly expressed concern, with initiatives like UN resolutions attempting to broker a cease-fire and demand humanitarian aid access. Economic sanctions have historically been employed as a diplomatic tool to enforce compliance with international norms and laws, as seen in the recent context of Russia’s actions in Ukraine. The Palestinian leadership is advocating for similar measures as a way to pressure Israel into adherence to international laws and respect for human rights.
In conclusion, Palestinian Ambassador Zuhair Al-Shun’s appeal for economic sanctions against Israel reflects a deep frustration with the ongoing violence in Gaza and the perceived impunity enjoyed by Israel in the face of international calls for peace. The situation continues to draw global attention, underpinned by calls for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law. The involvement of the ICC further underscores the complexities of the legal and moral dimensions of this protracted conflict, highlighting the urgent need for a concerted international response.
Original Source: en.tempo.co
