In brief
Eran Etzion, a respected former Israeli security adviser and soldier, has voiced his concern over the actions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in northern Gaza, suggesting that troops may be committing war crimes. He advocates for soldiers to refuse illegal orders while highlighting the dire humanitarian situation faced by civilians in the region, as international scrutiny of Israel's military conduct mounts.
Eran Etzion, a former deputy head of the Israeli National Security Council and advisor to four prime ministers, is expressing serious concerns regarding the actions of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in their current operations in northern Gaza. He has warned that IDF actions could amount to war crimes, calling on soldiers and officers to reject any orders they suspect may lead to illegal activities. "If a soldier or an officer is expected to commit something that might be suspected as a war crime, they must refuse," he stated firmly during an interview at his home in Shoresh, Israel.As medical personnel in the Indonesian Hospital in Jabalia plead for assistance via voice notes to the international community, Mr. Etzion highlights the humanitarian crisis triggered by the ongoing conflict. Medical professionals describe unbearable conditions, characterized by a lack of basic necessities and resources. One exhausted nurse shared their torment, stating, "We don’t have water," while another lamented not being able to eat, prioritizing the needs of their patients over their own.Amid widespread civilian dislocation and severe distress in Jabalia due to IDF operations targeting Hamas, Mr. Etzion urges soldiers to keep moral standards intact, reminding that Israel is a sovereign nation bound by historical, moral, and legal obligations. He warned against what he sees as a "dangerous erosion of norms" in Israeli policy following the trauma of the 7 October attacks by Hamas that resulted in substantial Israeli casualties.The mounting international criticism against Israel for its military strategy has been emphasized by other voices as well; significant warnings have come from the United States and various humanitarian organizations regarding the treatment of civilians in Gaza. Despite ongoing accusations against Hamas for exploiting civilians, Mr. Etzion maintains that any military operation must still adhere to international law, promoting the view that acting out of vengeance could discredit Israel's standing as a member of the global community.Prominent war crimes lawyer, Prof. Philippe Sands KC, supported Mr. Etzion's position expanding on international standards, reiterating that Israel has a right to self-defense but must also adhere to laws protecting civilians. He reflected on the ineffectiveness of the current international legal framework in addressing violations in various global hotspots, calling for a measured approach rather than a complete rejection of established treaties.Despite repeated requests for comment, the IDF maintains that its operations comply with international law and emphasizes efforts to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza. However, as reports of civilian hardships grow more desperate from Jabalia, Israel's narrative faces increasing skepticism on the world stage.
