IDF Faces Allegations of War Crimes in Northern Gaza: High-Level Official’s Warning
Eran Etzion, a former deputy head of Israel’s National Security Council and advisor to four Israeli prime ministers, has raised serious concerns regarding potential war crimes committed by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in northern Gaza. Etzion, known for his critical stance against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, is urging IDF personnel to defy orders that may lead to violations of international law.
During an interview at his home in Shoresh, Etzion stated, “If a soldier or an officer is expected to commit something that could be suspected as a war crime, they must refuse. That’s what I would do if I were a soldier, and I believe that’s what any Israeli soldier should do.”
As the IDF intensifies its military operations against Hamas, alarming conditions are reported in the Jabalia neighborhood of Gaza, where medical facilities are overwhelmed. Staff at the Indonesian Hospital have urgently called for international assistance, detailing dire shortages of basic necessities, such as water and food.
One nurse relayed her struggles, saying, “We contacted the Israeli forces to allow us to charge water to the tank, but they don’t accept that… and we don’t know what will happen tomorrow. The situation is very, very bad.” Another lamented exhaustion, stating, “I haven’t eaten since yesterday. We try to give the food we found to the patients and families, and we don’t eat ourselves.”
The ongoing offensive has displaced tens of thousands from Jabalia as Israel claims it aims to thwart Hamas’s regrouping efforts. Etzion expressed concern about the deteriorating moral standards within Israel, highlighting the “very dangerous erosion of norms” prevailing in the wake of the devastating Hamas attacks on October 7, which left around 1,200 Israelis dead.
Etzion urged Israel to adhere to its principles as a sovereign state. “We have our history, our morals, and our values, and we must operate under international law if we want to remain part of the international community,” he asserted.
Mounting international scrutiny surrounds Israel’s actions in Gaza. Reports indicate that the United States has threatened to curtail arms shipments unless aid to Gaza increases. The United Nations has accused Israel of obstructing the transfer of humanitarian assistance, exacerbating an already critical situation.
In response to claims of implementing a starvation strategy, the IDF has denied such allegations, instead attributing the plight of Gazans to Hamas’s tactics of using civilians as shields.
Legal experts, including prominent war crimes lawyer Prof. Philippe Sands, emphasize that while Israel has the right to self-defense, it must operate within the boundaries of international law and maintain the principle of proportionality. “There are clear violations occurring,” Sands stated, underscoring the need to distinguish between civilian and military targets.
The International Criminal Court’s prosecutor is reportedly seeking warrants for Israeli officials due to alleged violations of international law amid the escalating conflict. While some argue the international law system is faltering, Sands asserts that it plays a critical role in holding states accountable for treaty violations.
The IDF responded to interview requests by maintaining its commitment to adhere to international law, while claims persist that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza needs urgent attention amidst the ongoing military operations.
