The dire circumstances facing Palestinian civilians in Gaza, where they endure ongoing violence and systemic oppression, were prominently addressed during the recent high-level week of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). Amidst discussions of human rights and accountability, several nations, including France, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada, have recognized the state of Palestine. This acknowledgment comes at a critical time as the international community grapples with the urgent need for justice in the region.
Human Rights Watch has issued a clarion call for immediate action from governments worldwide, emphasizing that the time for concrete measures is now. The organization highlighted a significant oversight in U.S. President Donald Trump’s recently unveiled 20-point “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” which notably lacks any mention of human rights or justice for those affected by the ongoing conflict. This omission underscores the pressing need for nations to act independently of any peace negotiations to uphold their commitments to human rights.
The international community must leverage its influence, particularly in relation to the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, to halt the escalating violence perpetrated by Israeli forces against Palestinians in both the West Bank and Gaza. Governments are urged to suspend arms transfers to Israel, terminate preferential trade agreements, prohibit trade with illegal settlements, and implement targeted sanctions against Israeli officials implicated in ongoing human rights violations.
At the same time, accountability mechanisms must be established for all parties involved. Governments should support investigations into war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Israeli authorities, including acts of extermination, apartheid, and persecution. Equally important is the need to hold Palestinian armed groups accountable for violence against Israeli civilians during the October 7, 2023, attacks.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) plays a crucial role in addressing these issues, working to combat impunity for atrocity crimes on a global scale. The international community must rally behind the ICC and denounce any sanctions imposed by the United States against ICC judges, officials, or organizations advocating for Palestinian rights.
The urgency of this situation is underscored by a recent UNGA resolution passed in light of the September 2025 deadline for states to comply with a landmark advisory opinion issued by the International Court of Justice. This opinion outlines the legal consequences of Israel’s policies and practices in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. The resolution, however, must not be merely symbolic. As Israeli authorities continue to expand illegal settlements and further displace Palestinian communities, the commitment to uphold Palestinians’ basic rights cannot be contingent upon the establishment of a peace plan.
Countries must act swiftly to implement measures that promote justice and accountability, regardless of the political landscape. The plight of Palestinians is a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention and action from the global community.
The message is clear: justice for Palestinians cannot afford to wait for a negotiated peace deal. Fundamental human rights and dignity are non-negotiable, and the time for decisive action is now.
