Palestinian Lawyer Calls for International Action After Gaza Home Destroyed by Airstrike

 

Raji Sourani, a renowned Palestinian human rights lawyer, has called on Western powers and global institutions to prevent Gaza from becoming "the graveyard of international law." Sourani, founder of the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights, urged international legal bodies to hold Israel accountable for its actions in the ongoing conflict. His appeal came shortly after his home in Gaza was destroyed by an Israeli airstrike in October 2023.

Sourani, 70, has spent decades fighting for Palestinian rights in both domestic and international courts. Despite being imprisoned multiple times by Israel, he continues to advocate for the rule of law. His work includes collaborating with the International Criminal Court (ICC) on the Israeli occupation, and he was part of the legal team that brought genocide charges against Israel at the International Court of Justice.

The destruction of Sourani's two-story home occurred just after he gave an interview to journalist Amy Goodman of Democracy Now. Sourani believes the bombing was intentional, but he, his wife, and son survived. Although he initially refused to leave Gaza, Sourani now lives in exile in Cairo, fearing for his life.

In a recent Edward Said lecture in London, Sourani expressed frustration over what he sees as the West's double standards, comparing its response to Ukraine with its inaction on Gaza. He warned that Israel might aim to expel all Palestinians to the Sinai and criticized the international community's failure to hold Israel accountable for its actions.

Sourani also voiced disappointment with the ICC, accusing it of hesitancy in pursuing charges against Israeli officials. He recalled a conversation with the first ICC prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo, who allegedly told him he couldn't act against Israel without U.S. approval. Sourani argues that if the ICC had acted earlier, much of the violence could have been prevented.

Despite his setbacks, Sourani remains committed to advocating for the upholding of international law, emphasizing that while legal victories alone won't liberate Palestine, ensuring accountability is essential. He called on the West to uphold its own legal standards and prevent further erosion of the rule of law in Gaza.