Gaza, the Italian Society of International Law: “Serious Violations, Europe must Act”

PADUA — The Italian Society of International Law and European Union Law (SIDI) has adopted a position of firm condemnation of the serious violations of international law committed by Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territories. The decision was taken during the XXIX Annual Conference, held on 5 and 6 June at the University of Padua and dedicated to the theme “Peace: supreme good of international law and the European Union”.

In the message sent to participants, the President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella recalled that "civilian populations are victims of armed conflicts without rules and without measure, in open violation of international humanitarian law".

The position adopted by the SIDI Assembly highlights with concern Israel's systematic violations of international law, including the construction of illegal settlements, the use of force to acquire territory, the exploitation of Palestinian resources and the failure to respect the fundamental rights of the population.

Particular alarm was expressed for the situation in the Gaza Strip, twenty months after the start of Israeli military operations following the Hamas attack of 7 October 2023. While reaffirming the need to free the Israeli hostages still held, jurists denounce the indiscriminate use of force, the massive bombings and the blockade of humanitarian aid. SIDI also recalls the obligation, established by the ordinances of the International Court of Justice, to guarantee access to aid and to prevent any act contrary to international law.

In light of this framework, the Society urges the authorities at all levels to fully respect their legal obligations arising from serious violations, to take concrete steps to counter such actions and to suspend all forms of cooperation, even informal, with Israeli entities that contribute to the maintenance of the illegal occupation.