The Nuhanovic Foundation: Centre for War Reparations stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Rafah and Gaza. We categorically condemn the Israeli offensive in Gaza, including the recent bombing of a camp for displaced persons on 26th May 2024 in Rafah, which continues to defy the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) order for Israel to halt its offensive, ensure unrestricted access for humanitarian aid, and prioritise the protection of civilians in the region.
More than 36,000 Palestinians have been killed since October 7th, 2023 (hospital-registered deaths), more than 50% of whom are believed to be women and children. 1.7 million people, or nearly 75% of the Palestinian population, have been internally displaced (United Nations), more than 3.3 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance across Gaza and the West Bank, and over 60% of Gaza’s housing is damaged or destroyed (International Rescue Committee). Israeli actions in Palestine have for a long time violated international law. The ongoing offensive, which defies the ICJ’s directive, further highlights a grave disrespect for international law and human rights, and the principles of justice, humanity, and international law demand urgent and decisive action.
Over the last 10 years, the Nuhanovic Foundation has been steadfast in its support for Palestinian victims and survivors of international humanitarian law violations through legal proceedings that seek to establish the responsibility and accountability of perpetrators and claim reparations and redress for the victims. As an organisation that prioritises victim perspectives and strives to uphold the rule of law, we are extremely concerned that the steps taken to uphold international law by various UN organisations, the ICJ, and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have, for too long, not received the explicit and unequivocal endorsement needed from other member states.
The Nuhanovic Foundation therefore calls on all state signatories to the Rome Statute to respect the ICC’s jurisdiction and fulfil their own legal obligations by supporting and cooperating with the Court’s ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine. Furthermore, we call upon Israel to follow the ICJ’s order to halt its offensive and ensure unrestricted access for humanitarian aid. We also urge states to take concrete action to bring to an end all Israeli violations of international humanitarian law, including through measures such as ending military aid and cooperation and pursuing legal avenues to ensure accountability and secure reparations for victims of war crimes and crimes against humanity that have been committed.
We stand firmly in support of individuals across Palestine, Israel, and the rest of the world who continue to call for an immediate and permanent ceasefire, the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages, and unrestricted access for humanitarian aid.
The Nuhanovic Foundation: Centre for War Reparations supports victims and survivors who seek justice and redress through legal avenues for the harm they have suffered during conflict. If you would like to get in touch with us for legal support, or if you’d like to work with us and support our mission, get in touch via email at mail@nuhanovicfoundation.org.
