ICSPR Warning Against Provocative US Statements and the Danger of Israeli Occupation’s Crimes and Plans
Date: January 11, 2025
Press Statement
ICSPR: Warning Against Provocative US Statements and the Danger of Israeli Occupation’s Crimes and Plans
The International Commission to Support Palestinian Rights (ICSPR) expresses its deep concern regarding the repeated statements made by the elected US President, Mr. Donald Trump, warning of what he described as opening the “gates of hell” in the Middle East unless Hamas releases the Israeli captives it holds.
The elected US President’s statements are characterized by blatant incitement and once again reveal American involvement in the genocide committed against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip. These statements come at an extremely sensitive time when the region is witnessing Israeli aggression and escalating political tensions, with the occupied Palestinian territories drowning in massacres and worsening humanitarian crises due to the genocide and aggressive policies of the Israeli occupation.
In the same context, the Israeli Minister of Finance issued dangerous statements affirming the continuation of the war against the Palestinian people, accompanied by threats to halt humanitarian aid, escalate arbitrary killings, forcibly displace Palestinian populations, and expand colonial annexation and settlement activities.
In a significant development consolidating US support for the occupation state and the law of the jungle, the US Congress passed the “Countering Illegitimate Courts Act,” set to take effect 60 days after its passage. This law aims to punish any individual investigating, arresting, detaining, or prosecuting American citizens or officials from US ally states, including Israel. It also seeks to eliminate any US funding allocated to the International Criminal Court (ICC) and prohibits future funding, striking at the core of judicial independence and the rule of law, solidifying double standards, a culture of impunity, and undermining the international justice system.
ICSPR strongly condemns these inciteful statements, the US support for the occupation state, and the issuance of certain decisions and laws by the US Congress in violation of international law. These measures serve as a political shield for the continued Israeli crimes against the Palestinian people. ICSPR emphasizes that such statements constitute a blatant violation of the obligations of states under international humanitarian law and the UN Charter, perpetuating a culture of impunity. It underscores that the continuation of the Israeli occupation forces’ policies of collective punishment, forcible displacement, arbitrary killings, and targeting of civilians constitutes war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide under international law. ICSPR further highlights that protecting civilians is a legal and moral obligation incumbent upon all states and active parties.
ICSPR records and demands the following:
- ICSPR calls on the newly elected US administration to retract inciteful rhetoric that harms prospects for stability and halting genocide, and to adopt a balanced policy that respects human rights and supports efforts to end the Israeli occupation.
- ICSPR considers the US President’s statements and Israeli declarations as deliberate disregard for international laws and conventions, exacerbating the already deteriorating situation and putting the future of the entire region at grave risk.
- ICSPR urges all parties, including the US President and legislators, to respect the work of courts and international laws prohibiting the targeting of civilians and civilian properties during armed conflicts. It also calls for enhancing accountability as a fundamental tool to stop recurring crimes.
- ICSPR calls on the international community to take urgent action to save Palestinian lives from Israeli aggression and the US partnership by ensuring that those responsible are held accountable before international courts.
- ICSPR renews its call for all international and regional parties to work seriously toward ending the Israeli occupation and enabling the Palestinian people to exercise their inalienable rights, including their right to self-determination.
