Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: International Relations Topic: Global issues, Issue: War crimes
Context: Palestinians in Gaza are facing crisis levels of hunger, particularly during the holy month of Ramadan.
Synopsis:
- United Nations human rights accused Israel of using starvation as a “weapon of war.”
- Israel’s restrictions on aid to Gaza, coupled with its military offensive, could constitute a war crime.
War Crimes:
● War crimes are violations of International Humanitarian Law (treaty or customary law) that incur individual criminal responsibility under international law. Examples: ● Torture, rape, intentional killing of civilians and prisoners of war. ● Withholding necessary items for the survival of captured individuals. Geneva Conventions: o It guides in establishing humanitarian standards for treating those affected by war. o This includes laws for the protection of civilians during wartime, including relief workers. |