The Palestinian Struggle: A Case for International Accountability

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict, an ongoing struggle spanning over seven decades, has seen countless violations of human rights, international law, and the principles laid out by global organizations like the United Nations. At the heart of this conflict lies a humanitarian crisis that has disproportionately affected the Palestinian people, manifesting in what many have come to call acts of genocide against innocent civilians. The discussion around these actions is particularly relevant in the context of UN Resolution 3246, adopted in 1974, which emphasizes the right to self-determination and condemns all forms of colonial domination, foreign occupation, and apartheid.

What is UN Resolution 3246?

UN General Assembly Resolution 3246 reaffirms the inalienable right of all peoples to self-determination, particularly those who are subject to colonial or foreign occupation. It emphasizes that any actions by an occupying power to deny this right—whether through military force, colonization, or any form of domination—are in direct violation of international law. The resolution calls upon all nations and international bodies to oppose and condemn such violations.

This resolution is vital when analyzing the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories, as it highlights key principles of international law that are systematically ignored or breached. The occupation of the West Bank, East Jerusalem, and the Gaza Strip by Israel has often been described as a form of colonialism, and the ongoing displacement of Palestinians from their land violates their right to self-determination.

Israeli Actions and Genocide Accusations

Over the years, Israeli military operations, settlement expansions, and the blockade of Gaza have led to severe humanitarian crises in Palestinian territories. These actions have raised widespread accusations of genocide, defined under the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide as any acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.

1. Military Offensives and Civilian Casualties: Israeli military operations, particularly in Gaza, have resulted in the deaths of thousands of Palestinian civilians, including women and children. The use of disproportionate force, targeted airstrikes on densely populated areas, and the destruction of essential infrastructure such as hospitals and schools are often cited as acts that meet the definition of genocide. These actions are not only militarily excessive but also aim to cripple the Palestinian population’s ability to survive and thrive.
2. Settlement Expansion and Ethnic Cleansing: Israeli settlements in the West Bank continue to expand, violating international law and UN resolutions, including 3246, which expressly condemns foreign occupation. Settlement activities lead to the displacement of Palestinian families, the destruction of homes, and the appropriation of natural resources. Many argue that this systematic displacement and marginalization of Palestinians amount to ethnic cleansing, which is considered a precursor to genocide.
3. The Gaza Blockade: Since 2007, Israel's blockade on Gaza has had devastating effects on the population. The blockade severely restricts the movement of goods and people, leading to widespread poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to essential services such as healthcare and education. The blockade is often viewed as a form of collective punishment, targeting the entire population for the actions of militant groups. Over 2 million people live in what has been described as the world’s largest open-air prison, facing constant shortages of basic necessities, which, over time, has led to a dramatic decline in the health and well-being of the population.
4. Disproportionate Use of Force: The Israeli government's response to peaceful protests, such as the Great March of Return in 2018, where thousands of Palestinians marched along the Gaza-Israel border to demand their right to return to their ancestral lands, was met with live ammunition, killing and injuring hundreds of unarmed protesters. This lethal response to civilians exercising their right to protest further exemplifies the systematic use of violence against an oppressed population.

Genocide in the Context of UN Resolution 3246

Resolution 3246 explicitly supports the right of all peoples under colonial and foreign occupation to struggle for their liberation by all available means, including armed struggle. It condemns colonial powers that deny this right. In the context of Israel and Palestine, the resolution can be interpreted as supporting the Palestinian cause for self-determination and condemning Israeli actions that perpetuate occupation, displacement, and violence.

The Palestinian struggle for self-determination is met with military aggression and policies designed to suppress their identity, culture, and existence. Under the principles of Resolution 3246, the international community is obliged to stand in solidarity with the Palestinians and condemn actions that violate their rights. Unfortunately, the international response has been inadequate, with major powers often turning a blind eye to Israeli violations or outright supporting the Israeli narrative, leaving Palestinians vulnerable to continuous oppression.

The Role of the International Community

The international community, under the framework of UN Resolution 3246, is called to support oppressed peoples, particularly those living under foreign occupation. The global community's failure to hold Israel accountable for its actions against the Palestinian population highlights a deep-seated bias and inconsistency in the enforcement of international law.

Despite numerous UN resolutions calling for an end to Israeli occupation and the recognition of Palestinian statehood, Israel continues its policies of expansion and militarization with little to no repercussions. This lack of accountability emboldens the state to continue actions that result in severe human rights violations, including those that can be classified as genocide.

Conclusion

The ongoing situation in Palestine represents a grave violation of international law and a blatant disregard for the right of self-determination enshrined in UN Resolution 3246. The systematic targeting of innocent civilians, displacement of communities, and destruction of infrastructure—acts that collectively fit the definition of genocide—demand urgent action from the international community. Failing to address these crimes not only perpetuates the suffering of the Palestinian people but also undermines the very principles of justice, equality, and human rights that the United Nations was founded to protect.

The world must recognize the Palestinian struggle as a legitimate fight for self-determination against an occupying power. Only through sustained international pressure and accountability can the cycle of violence and oppression be broken, paving the way for a just and lasting peace.