Israel’s Attack on the UN Charter
And How to Stop a Genocide
Alfred de Zayas / Institute for Public Accuracy
(September 16, 2025) — An Israeli sniper detailed in comments to Haaretz the killing of unarmed Palestinians, including children, who were attempting to get aid in Gaza. AntiWar.com reports: “Israel Kills Over 100 Palestinians in Gaza as It Launches Ground Offensive to Conquer Gaza City.”
The UN Independent Commission of Inquiry finds in their in-depth report released Tuesday that Israel is committing genocide, that top officials, including President Isaac Herzog have engaged in incitement to commit genocide and Israel has had “clear knowledge of the presence of Palestinian civilians along the evacuation routes and within the safe areas but nevertheless they shot at and killed civilians, some of whom (including children) were holding makeshift white flags. Some children, including toddlers, were shot in the head by snipers.
“The Commission finds that, since at least 26 January 2024, when the International Court of Justice ordered its first provisional measures, all States Parties to the Genocide Convention, and all other States too, have been on notice of a serious risk that genocide was being or would be committed. As such, the duty to prevent genocide was triggered due to the actual or constructive knowledge of the immediate plausibility that genocide was being or was about to be committed.” See full video and clip.
Among the recommendations of the Commission: “Facilitate the investigations and domestic proceedings and take action (including imposing sanctions) against the State of Israel and against individuals or corporations that are involved in or facilitating the commission of genocide or incitement to commit genocide.”
Protests are being held Thursday, including in NYC with Roger Waters and other activists, calling for a protection force.
“What we realize by reading the extensive report is that Israel is waging war not only against the Palestinians in Gaza but against the UN Charter and international law in general, with the complicity of governments that have provided military, economic, political, diplomatic and propagandistic support to the genocidal state. Without a doubt, the governments of the United States, United Kingdom, France and Germany are all complicit in the genocide under article III (e) of the Genocide Convention. …
“The genocide is occurring now, as I type these words. The call to stop the genocide has been imperative since October 2023. The 60th session of the Human Rights Council is in session, and therefore this is the time and place to discuss urgent action. …
“The key issue is how to stop the genocide, how to provide immediate humanitarian help to the Palestinians and how to ensure accountability. The UN has the ‘Responsibility to Protect’ doctrine (R2P was adopted in GA Resolution 60/1, paras 138-39) The International Criminal Court has already issued warrants for the arrest of Benjamin Netanyahu and his former Minister of War (I refuse to call him ‘Minister of Defence’) Gallant. The international community must see how these two criminals and other Israeli officials are apprehended and brought to justice. …
“A UN-led military intervention is necessary. … Since the Security Council is blocked by the United States veto, it is now the responsibility of the General Assembly to take decisive action to stop the genocide. If the United Nations fails to do this, it will lose the little authority and credibility it still has. “Recognition of the Palestinian State is symbolic, but will not save the lives of the Palestinians.”
Alfred de Zayas is a law professor at the Geneva School of Diplomacy and served as a UN Independent Expert on International Order 2012-18. He is the author of twelve books including Building a Just World Order and recently wrote the piece “Action by the 80th Session of the UN General Assembly to Stop the Genocide of Palestinians.”
Comments
David S: From professor peace and neutrality: “A UN-led military intervention is necessary. … Since the Security Council is blocked by the United States veto, it is now the responsibility of the General Assembly to take decisive action to stop the genocide. If the United Nations fails to do this, it will lose the little authority and credibility it still has. “
John R: Everything he says makes sense before that paragraph. The only justification is Gandhi’s thinking that violent resistance to oppression is better than cowardice and passive acceptance. That excuse does not apply here because there are so many things that would induce Israel to stop that require less consensus and and risk than armed intervention.
