In brief
Eran Etzion, a former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council, expressed concerns that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) may be engaging in war crimes in northern Gaza. He emphasized the importance of soldiers refusing illegal orders and highlighted the dire conditions faced by civilians in Jabalia. As international criticism mounts against Israel’s military actions, Etzion underscores the necessity for adherence to international law.
---In a thought-provoking interview with the BBC, Eran Etzion, a respected former deputy head of Israel's National Security Council, has raised alarms regarding the conduct of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in northern Gaza. He asserts that the military's actions could potentially amount to war crimes and calls on soldiers and officers to reject any illegal orders they might face.From his home in Shoresh, surrounded by the tranquil atmosphere of a sunny autumn morning, Etzion, who has served four Israeli prime ministers, reflected on the trajectory of the military operations and their implications for both civilians in Gaza and Israeli soldiers. “If a soldier or an officer is expected to commit something that might be suspected as a war crime, they must refuse," he insisted.The situation in Jabalia, a neighborhood just 40 miles from where Etzion spoke, paints a grim picture. Hospitals, like the Indonesian Hospital, are reportedly overwhelmed, with doctors sending pleas for assistance to the international community. A senior nurse shared disturbing details about their struggle for basic resources, recounting a lack of water and food as patients suffer amid relentless military action. Etzion voiced particular worry over the growing desperation and resentment among civilians. "There is a very dangerous erosion of norms," he noted. This sentiment has arisen in the wake of the traumatic events following the Hamas attacks on October 7, which resulted in significant loss of Israeli life and hostages being taken. He stressed the importance of Israel adhering to its principles as a sovereign nation that respects moral values and international standards. "We have our history, we have our morals, we have our values," Etzion stated, "and we must operate under international law if we want to continue to be a member of the international community." As a concerned citizen with personal ties to the IDF, he hopes to prevent soldiers from involvement in any actions that could be deemed war crimes.As international scrutiny toward Israel increases, the U.S. has warned that it may limit arms shipments if humanitarian aid does not reach Gaza. On the ground, the IDF has faced accusations of obstructing aid and enacting policies that might lead to starvation among civilians, which they vehemently deny, attributing the humanitarian crisis to Hamas's actions.Legal experts have weighed in on the situation, with figures like war crimes lawyer Prof. Philippe Sands KC stating that while Israel has the right to defend itself, its current strategy may violate international humanitarian laws. Sands emphasized the need for distinction between civilian and military targets and condemned the use of famine as a weapon of war.In light of the urgent appeals for international support and amidst the backdrop of escalating violence and suffering in Gaza, both Etzion and Sands stress the critical need for governance under international law. The situation remains precarious, with ongoing military actions and rising calls for humanitarian intervention. The IDF has not provided a statement beyond a commitment to operating within international law, as they continue their military operations amidst widespread challenges to their narrative.
