'Seek to prevent actions that may amount to war crimes,' UN experts to lawyers advising Israel

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - UN right experts on Monday urged all lawyers who advise the Israeli military to refuse legal authorization for acts that may amount to war crimes in retaliation for the Oct. 7 Hamas offensive.

"As Israel responds to Hamas and conducts operations in Gaza, all lawyers advising the military must identify and seek to prevent actions that may amount to war crimes. They have a professional duty to deny legal authorisation for criminal acts," the experts said in a statement.

“Lawyers must refuse to give legal authorisation for actions that violate international law."

The experts also noted that Israel increased its blockade on Gaza, cutting off food, water, electricity, and fuel supplies.

The conflict in Gaza began when Hamas initiated Operation Al-Aqsa Flood, a multi-pronged surprise attack that included a barrage of rocket launches and infiltrations into Israel by land, sea, and air. It said the incursion was in retaliation for the storming of the Al-Aqsa Mosque and growing violence by Israeli settlers.

The Israeli military then launched Operation Swords of Iron against Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip.

It continues to target Gaza with intensive airstrikes that have destroyed entire neighborhoods, killing 4,651 Palestinians, including 1,873 children and 1,023 women, and injuring 14,245 others, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.

More than 1,400 people have also been killed in Israel.

Israeli officials have hinted at launching a ground offensive soon.​​​​​​​