Israel’s War in Gaza: Former National Security Official Warns of Potential War Crimes
Eran Etzion, a former high-ranking Israeli official who served four prime ministers and was deputy head of the country’s National Security Council, is now raising concerns about the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and their actions in northern Gaza. As a respected figure with a deep connection to the country’s security apparatus, Etzion’s warnings come with significant weight.
A man is comforted at the Gaza Strip’s Kamal Adwan Hospital, which has been described as “completely overwhelmed” by Medecins Sans Frontieres
Etzion’s Warning: Soldiers Should Reject Illegal Orders
A critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Etzion believes that Israeli soldiers must reject any orders that could lead to the commission of war crimes. His message is clear: refuse illegal orders. “If a soldier or officer is expected to commit something that might be suspected as a war crime, they must refuse. That’s what I would do, and that’s what I believe any Israeli soldier should do,” says Etzion.
As he speaks from his home in central Israel, the contrast between the peace of his surroundings and the ongoing conflict in Gaza is stark. While builders improve homes in his neighborhood, just 40 miles away, the people of Jabalia in Gaza face relentless bombardment and dire conditions.
The Desperate Situation in Gaza
At the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia, the situation is critical. Doctors and nurses are sending desperate messages, pleading for aid. A senior nurse described the extreme shortages of water and medical supplies as they struggle to care for the wounded civilians.
“We don’t have water. We asked the Israeli forces to allow us to fill the water tank, but they refused,” one exhausted nurse explains. Another adds, “We give what little food we have to the patients and their families. We don’t eat ourselves.”
Tens of thousands of civilians are fleeing Jabalia as the Israeli army continues its offensive, claiming that Hamas is regrouping in the area. However, Etzion is deeply concerned about the moral erosion happening in the face of war.
A Call for Ethical Conduct in Times of War
A wounded girl is treated at the Kamal Adwan hospital in northern Gaza
“There is a very dangerous erosion of norms,” Etzion states. “There is a widespread sense of revenge, of rage. The will to revenge could be understood, but we’re not a gang; we’re not a terror organization. We’re a sovereign country. We have our history, our morals, and our values, and we must operate under international law.”
As a former soldier and with children who have served in the IDF, Etzion’s concerns are personal. He urges all Israeli soldiers to ensure they do not engage in actions that could be deemed war crimes, emphasizing the importance of operating within international standards.
Mounting International Criticism
Israel is facing increasing global scrutiny over its military actions in Gaza. The United Nations has accused Israel of impeding the flow of humanitarian aid into northern Gaza, while the United States has threatened to cut arms shipments if Israel does not allow aid to surge into the region.
The IDF, however, denies allegations of deliberately starving civilians or forcing evacuations. It has repeatedly stated that Hamas is using civilians as human shields, launching attacks from schools and hospitals. But the scenes of suffering from Gaza, along with international outcry, continue to challenge Israel’s narrative.
International Law and the Crisis in Gaza
Prominent war crimes lawyer Philippe Sands KC emphasizes that while Israel has the right to self-defense, its actions must remain proportionate and adhere to international law. “You cannot use famine as a weapon of war, and you cannot forcibly deport or evacuate large numbers of people,” Sands explains.
Sands, who has worked on genocide cases and advocated for Palestinian statehood, notes that international law seems powerless in preventing violence. Yet he stresses the importance of these legal systems, saying, “If you ask yourself what the alternative is… you’re back to the 1930s.”
The Future of Israel and Gaza
As Israel’s military actions continue and scenes of civilian suffering emerge from Jerusalem, the international community is watching closely. While Israel maintains its narrative of defense against Hamas, the voices of critics like Etzion and the growing pressure from the global community demand deeper reflection on the path forward.
Conclusion: A Call for Justice and Accountability
Eran Etzion’s message resonates beyond Israel’s borders, as he calls for ethical conduct in times of war and urges soldiers to refuse illegal orders. As the conflict continues to unfold, the international spotlight remains on Israel, and the conversation about justice, war crimes, and humanitarian aid will only grow louder.
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