“I find that there are reasons to believe that the minimum threshold indicating the commission of the crime of genocide against the Palestinians as a group in Gaza has been met.” This is the conclusion reached by the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the oPt, Francesca Albanese, in her latest report to the United Nations Human Rights Council, which was examined during an event organized by the Arab Renaissance for Democracy and Development (ARDD) in Amman as part of its “Question of Palestine” program on Tuesday, April 16, 2023, in the presence of hundreds of representatives of Jordanian society from all governorates, representatives of governmental and legislative bodies, media representatives, representatives of embassies, local and international civil society, and NGOs.
Albanese, an advisor to ARDD’s Renaissance Strategic Center’s “Migration, Forced Displacement and Statelessness” program and a vocal voice for international law and human rights, spoke to the global conscience, articulating her legal perspective on the Israeli atrocities committed in Gaza. “Six months after the ongoing Israeli assault on the occupied Gaza Strip, it is my solemn duty to report on the worst that humanity is capable of” in her latest report, fittingly titled “Anatomy of Genocide” The report highlighted three acts of genocide perpetrated by Israel in Gaza, involving serious physical or mental harm to members of the group and inflicting devastation on the group’s living conditions, with the intention of completely or partially destroying it physically, and imposing measures aimed at preventing birth there.
Urging the international community to intervene to prevent further casualties in Gaza, Albanese highlights the need for accountability, especially in light of the West’s practice of double standards about Gaza. She emphasizes the severity of the current crisis, noting Israel’s systematic destruction of livelihoods in Gaza. Furthermore, she critiques the claims about using the population as human shields, as a pretext for humanitarian camouflage to conceal patterns of behavior from which Israel exerts a state policy of genocide against Palestinians can reasonably be inferred.
Prof. Zaid Ayadat, ARDD Chairman of the Board of Trustees and Director of the Center for Strategic Studies at the University of Jordan, opening the event, remarked, “Over the past six months, Gaza has endured a series of atrocities without the accountability they deserve from the international community. Tonight, we stand in solidarity with Ms. Albanese, who contrasts those who have allowed these injustices to persist and is forcefully advocating for Palestinian voices to be heard.”
Samar Muhareb, Executive Director of ARDD, affirmed the support of both the Jordanian public and the international community who are united by their commitment to international law and human rights, standing in solidarity with Francesca Albanese. Furthermore, she underscored ARDD’s dedication to advancing its Question of Palestine program particularly focusing on Palestinian Refugees, Decolonization, and Justice and Accountability for their pivotal condition in achieving the renaissance of the Arab World.
In reviewing the report, Dr. Anis Al-Kassim, an international lawyer and member of the Global Network on the Question of Palestine, acknowledged the rigorous analysis undertaken by Francesca Albanese in documenting the concept of genocide across eight meticulously crafted chapters. Despite anticipating scrutiny, he recognized the seriousness with which the report was compiled. Al-Kassim urged everyone to engage with the report, emphasizing its importance in highlighting the gravity of the situation in Gaza and Palestine.
He particularly highlighted a crucial aspect outlined in Chapter Six regarding the use of “humanitarian camouflage” as a pretext for genocide. Al-Kassim underscored the legal principle that suspects should be treated as civilians until proven otherwise, contrasting this with Israel’s treatment of all residents as military targets. He lamented the lack of an independent committee to investigate the issue of human shields, underscoring the ongoing challenges in addressing these violations.
Dr. Lex Takkenberg, Advisor of the Question of Palestine program at ARDD Renaissance Strategic Center, highlighted that the ongoing events in Gaza are part of a historical pattern spanning over 75 years, where the occupation persistently flouts international law in Palestine without impunity. This perpetuation of violations, coupled with efforts to dehumanize the Palestinian population, underscores the urgent need for accountability.
During the Q&A, Albanese clarified how “a committee tasked with investigating the events in Gaza, the UN Commission o Inquiry, faced defamation from Western powers,” underscoring that “Palestine serves as a focal point revealing the dynamics and transformations between the Global North and South, as well as within Arab nations.” Drawing a poignant parallel, she reminded the audience of Europe’s historical focus on concentration camps while neglecting the dehumanizing acts preceding the Holocaust.
Emphasizing that the situation in Gaza transcends a humanitarian crisis and is fundamentally a legal matter necessitating swift resolution and urgent international intervention, she advocated for imposing a ban on arms supplies to Israel and supporting impartial investigations into alleged war crimes. The report underscores the imperative of accountability, compensation for victims, and proactive measures by the international community to prevent future violence against Palestinian civilians, thereby upholding justice and safeguarding their human rights, ultimately fostering regional peace and security.
Despite enduring bitterness and pain from being accused of antisemitism to silence the reports finding, Albanese acknowledged the voices of solidarity from civil society, the media, and individuals who continue to support her in monitoring and documenting these tragic events. She affirmed, “the struggle persists and is shared,” recognizing that change begins with the collective strength of the people. Throughout history, remarkable achievements have been realized through awareness and a steadfast belief in humanity and unity.
