Breakfast Briefing – Expert Roundtable

 Situation in Gaza/Palestine and Israel

Abstract

Historically and politically, the conflict between Israel and Palestine has been among the most difficult to understand, debate, and eventually solve. Similarly, from a legal perspective, the conflict raises a number of difficult legal questions, which often relate to fundamental issues about the legal status of Palestine, the legal classification of areas, and the legal obligations of Israel as an occupying power.

The attack on Israel by Hamas on Saturday, 7 October 2023 represented an unprecedented and horrifying escalation of the conflict, which was met by a major military response by Israel. Characteristic for Hamas’ conduct has been its violent attack on hundreds of civilians, its large-scale hostage taking and serious abuses of people in their power, as well as its continuous rocket attacks against Israel. Israel’s response has most notably included a massive bombing campaign in Gaza, followed by a large ground offensive, as well as a number of measures taken that result in limited access to basic needs. The offensive has resulted in deaths and injuries in the tens of thousands, along with mass displacement and destruction. According to a December 2023 IPC analysis, the hostilities have caused catastrophic levels of acute food insecurity and an increasing risk of famine across the Gaza Strip.

In response to Israel’s military operation in Gaza, South Africa initiated on 29 December 2023 a case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) alleging that Israel is committing genocide and other violations of the Genocide Convention. On 26 January 2024, the ICJ ruled to issue an order for interim measures against Israel. The parties to this conflict are obliged to adhere to relevant international law, including international humanitarian law, and at this event we will discuss key issues in that regard.

About the Speakers

Unlike other breakfast briefings, this event will have the format of a roundtable with short presentations from five panelists:

Astrid Kjeldgaard-Pedersen (University of Copenhagen)

Iben Yde (Royal Danish Defence College)

Marc Schack (University of Copenhagen)

Martin Mennecke (University of Southern Denmark)

Sorcha MacLeod (University of Copenhagen)

For more information on relevant issues of international law in relation to this conflict, members of the InterMil project team (including some of the panelists) have published a series of thematic updates, which are available here (in Danish only).

Click here to register for the event. You will receive the Zoom link when you have registered.

See a list of all the Breakfast Briefings for Spring 2024.