Israel’s Fateful March from Settler Colonialism to Genocidal State

Year 2024, Volume: 13 Issue: 1, 51 - 70, 01.03.2024

Berdal Aral

https://doi.org/10.36360/1560-013-001-005

Abstract

This article delves into the legal discussions surrounding the crisis unleashed by the military operation launched on October 7, 2023, in Southern Israel by Palestinian forces of the resistance based in Gaza. Israel considered this a “terrorist attack,” asserted the right of self-defense, declared war on Gazans, and started the continuous and indiscriminate bombardment of Gaza. As a result, Gaza has become the new Dresden, in which thousands have been killed and tens of thousands injured. This article is an attempt to answer the following questions to illuminate the legal issues surrounding the current crisis and the broader context of Israel’s legal status as a state and its territorial claims: Was the Palestinian offensive in Southern Israel an instance of terrorism and/or an act of aggression? Which side of the conflict can rightfully claim the right of self-defense? Did Israel commit genocide in Gaza? Do Israel’s statehood and territorial claims rest on firm legal grounds? Is it legally sensible to argue that Israel is a threat to international peace and security?

Keywords

Operation al-Aqsa Flood, Gaza, Genocide, Dubious Origins of Israel, Israel

مسيرة «إسرائيل» من الاستعمار الاستيطاني إلى دولة الإبادة الجماعية

Abstract

يتناول هذا البحث المناقشات القانونية المحيطة بالأزمة التي أطلقتها العملية العسكرية التي شنتها قوات المقاومة الفلسطينية المتمركزة في غزة في 7 أكتوبر 2023 نحو جنوب "إسرائيل". عدّت "إسرائيل" هذه العملية "هجومًا إرهابيًّا"، وأكدت حقها في الدفاع عن النفس، وأعلنت الحرب على سكان غزة، وبدأت القصف المستمر والعشوائي لغزة. نتيجة لذلك، أصبحت غزة بمثابة مدينة دريسدن الجديدة، حيث قُتل الآلاف وجُرح عشرات الآلاف. يحاول هذا البحث الإجابة عن الأسئلة الآتية لإلقاء الضوء على القضايا القانونية المحيطة بالأزمة الحالية والسياق الأوسع للوضع القانوني لـ"إسرائيل" كدولة ومطالباتها الإقليمية: هل كان الهجوم الفلسطيني في جنوب "إسرائيل" عملية إرهابية أو عملًا عدوانيًّا؟ أي جانب من الصراع يمكنه أن يطالب بحق الدفاع عن النفس؟ هل ارتكبت "إسرائيل" إبادة جماعية في غزة؟ هل ترتكز "إسرائيل" ومطالباتها الإقليمية على أسس قانونية راسخة؟ وهل من المعقول قانونيًّا القول: إنّ "إسرائيل" تشكل تهديدا للسلم والأمن الدوليين؟

Keywords

عملية طوفان الأقصى, العدوان الإسرائيلي, غزة, الإبادة الجماعية, إسرائيل

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