ISRAEL'S POLICIES, REGARDING BORDERS, LAND OCCUPATION, AND VIOLATIONS OF HUMAN RIGHTS-MILITARY STATE

By AI-ChatGPT4o-T.Chr.-Human Synthesis- 30 January 2025

These issues have been widely debated in international forums, including the United Nations (UN), International Criminal Court (ICC), and various human rights organizations.

1. Lack of Fixed Borders & Land Expansion

Unlike most nations, Israel has no officially recognized, permanent borders.

The 1967 Six-Day War resulted in Israel occupying:

The West Bank (including East Jerusalem)

Gaza Strip (withdrawn in 2005, but still under blockade)

The Golan Heights (taken from Syria)

Israel continues to expand settlements in the West Bank, despite UN resolutions declaring them illegal under international law.

2. Jewish-Only State?

Israel defines itself as a Jewish state, which raises concerns about ethnic and religious exclusivity.

The Nation-State Law (2018):

Declares Israel as the nation-state of the Jewish people.

Downgrades Arabic from an official language.

Prioritizes Jewish settlement expansion.

Palestinians in Israel (20% of the population) face systemic discrimination, including in housing, education, and employment.

3. Violations of International Law

Illegal Settlements: The UN, ICC, and International Court of Justice (ICJ) have ruled Israeli settlements in the West Bank as violating international law.

Occupation & Apartheid Claims: Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and the UN have accused Israel of practicing apartheid through its treatment of Palestinians.

Military Actions in Gaza: Frequent Israeli military operations have caused massive civilian casualties. The use of collective punishment (blockades, bombings) violates the Geneva Conventions.

4. Human Rights Concerns

Gaza Blockade: 2.3 million Palestinians live under an Israeli-Egyptian blockade, facing extreme poverty and restricted movement.

Arbitrary Arrests: Thousands of Palestinians are held in administrative detention without trial.

House Demolitions: Palestinian homes are regularly destroyed for lacking Israeli permits, while Jewish settlements expand.

Killings of Journalists: Cases like the killing of Shireen Abu Akleh (Al Jazeera reporter) by Israeli forces raise press freedom concerns.

5. International Reaction

UN Resolutions: The UN General Assembly has passed over 200 resolutions condemning Israeli actions.

US & Western Support: Despite criticisms, Israel receives billions in military aid from the US and European allies.

ICC Investigations: The International Criminal Court is investigating Israel for potential war crimes in Palestinian territories.

Boycotts & Sanctions: Some groups call for BDS (Boycott, Divestment, Sanctions) against Israeli companies linked to occupation.

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Conclusion

Israel operates outside many international laws, especially concerning borders, human rights, and military occupation. However, powerful allies like the US shield it from serious consequences. And WHY?