Israel and the US have battered the international legal order. The impunity must stop | Varsha Gandikota
A group of nations will gather on Friday to address the crisis. The only response to unilateral bullying is collective action The international legal order is in shambles. But from the ruins of impunity and lawbreaking, a group of nations is working to enforce accountability. On Monday, the UN general assembly’s high-level meetings opened to news that Washington had drawn up sanctions against the…
On Friday, nations convene to address the crisis arising from the crumbling of the international legal order. Responding to unilateral aggression, a coalition of countries aims to enforce accountability. The United Nations General Assembly's high-level meetings commenced on Monday, with the revelation that the United States had prepared sanctions against the International Criminal Court.
On Tuesday, President Biden threatened Iran with annihilation, and on Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, indicted by the ICC for war crimes, denounced those seeking justice as "barbarians who threaten our common civilization." Palestinian officials were barred from attending due to US travel restrictions.
Netanyahu has shown a disregard for international law, even declaring that no force would stop Israel. This impunity extends beyond Gaza, as seen in the West Bank's ethnic cleansing and Israel's attacks on Lebanon, Syria, and Sudan. The United States has exerted influence over those aiding Israel, leading to sanctions, tariffs, and isolation for countries that resist.
South Africa faced US aid loss due to its genocide case against Israel, and Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos had his US visa revoked for criticizing Gaza.
The international community must take action. The International Court of Justice has found Israel's occupation unlawful, and the General Assembly has given Israel a year to comply. The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants, yet the US has imposed sanctions on ICC judges and prosecutors. To combat this, states must employ every tool available, including halting arms and dual-use transfers, denying port access, and reviewing public contracts and investments.
On Friday, ministers and representatives from 40 states will gather at the UN headquarters for The Hague Group's Extraordinary Meeting in Defence of International Law. Collective action is the only response to unilateral aggression.
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