The Right to Resistance: Analyzing the Legal Perspective on Gaza's Genocide
A year has passed since the devastating war in the Gaza Strip, which has left its people living amidst the rubble of their city. Professor Shahd Al-Hamouri, an expert in International Law at the University of Kent, asserts that this protracted conflict has solidified the Palestinian people's right to resist against ongoing Israeli aggression. Al-Hamouri emphasizes that the international community's inaction against Israel's actions has led to a troubling acceptance of the status quo, wherein Israel operates above the law.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) recently reaffirmed the illegitimacy of Israel's occupation of Palestinian territories, particularly those occupied since 1967. Al-Hamouri cites this as a significant legal recognition that has been long overdue. She critiques the global narrative that has historically portrayed Israel as innocent while framing Palestinians as criminals, a perspective she argues is rooted in racism and colonialism.
International Law and the Palestinian Struggle
Al-Hamouri's remarks come in light of a case brought forth by South Africa against Israel, which accuses the state of genocide in Gaza. This legal confrontation serves as a powerful reminder of the serious allegations against Israel, highlighting a state built on principles of genocide and settler colonialism. The professor calls on the international community to acknowledge the realities of oppression faced by Palestinians and to redefine the narrative surrounding their resistance.
She contends that the right to resistance should not be dismissed as terrorism, particularly when the international community remains silent in the face of genocide. Al-Hamouri argues that the prevailing interpretation of international law, which permits Israel's claims of self-defense, is fundamentally flawed. The core issue, she states, lies not in what international law has done for Palestine, but rather in how Palestine has navigated its relationship with international law amidst overwhelming adversity. Despite the principles of international law supporting Palestine, many Western nations continue to uphold unjust interpretations that favor the oppressor over the oppressed.
