International law expert: Israel is practicing “ethnic cleansing” and “genocide” in Gaza

An expert in international law confirmed that the practices carried out by Israel in the Gaza Strip amount, in terms of international law, to the level of "ethnic cleansing" and "genocide."

International law expert and lawyer accredited to the International Criminal Court, Gilles Dever, said in a statement to Al Jazeera that Israel is carrying out a “systematic attack against a defenseless people,” and that what more than two million people in the Gaza Strip are facing amounts to “genocide.”

Deaver believed that the forced displacement of the Gaza Strip's civilian population and direct attacks targeting hospitals, civilian and even military targets are "unacceptable practices from the point of view of international law that violate the laws of war."

Regarding how to protect civilians in Gaza, Deaver believed that international law is not as strong as required in wars, but there is a need to take action before the International Criminal Court, at the initiative of the countries that signed the agreement of this court.

He said that the ball is now in the court of the countries affiliated with the International Criminal Court to launch a lawsuit against Israel, stressing that the Public Prosecutor has the powers to conduct the investigation.

He noted that what the Israeli occupation army is doing is “not self-defense at all,” stressing that the occupying state has responsibilities that it must respect, respect the needs of the population, and preserve the infrastructure and not target it.

Regarding documenting crimes for later judicial follow-up, he pointed out that there are specialized teams that monitor the situation on the ground, and they are responsible for examining the damaged infrastructure and raising indicators and evidence that confirm the involvement of the party that committed the crime, such as bombing.

In the same context, he stressed that there is very convincing data confirming Israel's involvement in the bombing of the Baptist Hospital in Gaza.

Source: Al Jazeera