Hillel Neuer
@UNLazzarini Thank you as always for your profound concern for international humanitarian law. L: UNRWA Gaza Teachers Union chief Suhail al-Hindi—also a member of the Hamas Politburo —celebrating his 27th anniversary with UNRWA. R: Same UNRWA leader addressing a Hamas rally.
Philippe Lazzarini
75 years ago today, the Geneva Conventions were put in place to protect civilians in times of wars. They are the universal “Rules of War” meant to limit the devastating impact of wars & conflicts on humanity. The one set of rules we “all agree on”, but do we? In the past 10 months, these rules have been blatantly broken day in, day out in #Gaza by the Israeli Forces as well as the Palestinian armed groups including Hamas. More concerning, Member States- party to the Geneva Conventions- have failed in their responsibilities to respect the conventions and ensure that parties to the conflict respect them under all circumstances. Our shared values enshrined in the Conventions are at stake as is our shared humanity. It is time to re-instate those values + re-commit to the Conventions. They are the compass of international humanitarian law. The basics still apply: - Civilians, women, children, detainees must be protected. - Schools, hospitals, people’s homes, humanitarian + UN staff, facilities & operations must be protected. #ceasefirenow #GC75 🕊️
