CENTHRA: Progress to hold Israel accountable for genocidal acts extremely slow

THE Centre for Human Rights Research and Advocacy (CENTHRA) expresses its cautious stance on the passing of Resolution 2728 by the United Nations Security Council on 25 March 2024 on demanding a ceasefire in Gaza during Ramadan.

While acknowledging the adoption of the resolution by a significant majority, CENTHRA remains sceptical about the world's commitment to implementing a ceasefire and ensuring the protection of innocent lives on the ground.

It took over six months for the Security Council to come to a resolution, indicating a concerning delay in addressing urgent humanitarian crises.

While the resolution calls for a ceasefire and the immediate release of hostages, CENTHRA emphasises the need for tangible action and accountability, particularly in holding Israel responsible for its genocidal acts.

CENTHRA urgently calls for adherence to the resolution and vehemently opposes the double standard perpetuating this conflict as Israeli occupation forces persist in their genocidal campaign, deliberately targeting women and children and implementing policies of deliberate starvation or Holodomor of the Palestinians. Israel’s systematic destruction of food supplies and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, have plunged the population into a state of dire need.

Therefore, it is imperative for the international community to implement stringent sanctions on Israeli settlers who are fuelling violence against Palestinians, particularly in Jerusalem.

We echo the sentiments of UN Secretary-General, Antonio Guterres, who rightly emphasises the imperative nature of implementing Resolution 2728. Failure to do so would be deemed unforgivable, given the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza.

CENTHRA urges the International Criminal Court to expedite its investigations and take decisive action against those responsible for genocide and war crimes. Unfortunately, progress in holding perpetrators, accountable, has been at a glacial pace.

The ICC's responsiveness to addressing the plight of the Palestinians, has been notably lacking.

As we anticipate concrete actions to uphold the principles outlined in Resolution 2728, CENTHRA steadfastly persists in its unwavering commitment to championing justice, ensuring accountability and fiercely defending the rights of the Palestinians and the victims ravaged by genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Failure to act decisively in the face of such atrocities is not an option. The world must heed our call and take bold, resolute steps to end the suffering of the Palestinians and hold perpetrators, accountable.

Azril Mohd Amin Chairman of CENTHRA