The United States has introduced sanctions targeting the Palestinian Authority (PA) and the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) in response to their legal initiatives at the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ). A statement released on July 30 outlined that these measures were taken due to what the US describes as ongoing infringements of the PLO Commitments Compliance Act and the Middle East Peace Commitments Act. The US government accused Palestinian leadership of seeking to “internationalise the conflict” and diminishing peace initiatives, pointing to multiple cases lodged in both the ICC and ICJ.
The sanctions include travel restrictions for members of the PLO and PA, reflecting the US's concerns as international legal scrutiny on Israel intensifies amidst its actions in Gaza, which have resulted in over 60,200 Palestinian deaths since October 2023. At the same time, the ICC has issued arrest warrants for Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, while the ICJ is currently addressing allegations of genocide brought forth by South Africa.
In a broader context, the protests against the violence in Gaza have been amplified by comparisons to historical tragedies, specifically the atomic bombing of Hiroshima 80 years ago. Activists have drawn parallels between the devastation experienced in Hiroshima and the ongoing conflict in Gaza, emphasizing the necessity of preventing history from repeating itself. In a recent demonstration in Hiroshima, supporters of Palestine expressed their solidarity, highlighting the connection between their struggle and the broader fight for global demilitarisation.
Amid these protests, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has deteriorated drastically, with more individuals reportedly perishing from induced starvation by Israeli forces in the last 11 days than in the preceding 21 months. The Israeli government has permitted the entrance of less than a quarter of Gaza's essential food needs since March, instilling fears of an impending food crisis, as indicated by warnings from a UN expert regarding the inevitability of starvation even under optimal conditions for food distribution.
5 Comments
Fuerza
This is a necessary step. The PA and PLO are trying to leverage the international system to unfairly target Israel.
Manolo Noriega
These sanctions are a blatant attempt to undermine international law and shield Israel from scrutiny. We stand with Palestine.
Fuerza
Good move by the US. International courts are being weaponized against Israel.
Ongania
This move by the US is further evidence of their bias. Sanctions on the PA and PLO are a slap in the face to international law and human rights.
Fuerza
Bravo US! The US is standing up to those who would use lawfare against our ally.