Civil tragedy sparks debate on civil resistance action
In the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a growing chorus of voices, including scholars and unions, are urging action to prevent or punish what they deem as genocide.
The International Association of Genocide Scholars has highlighted Israel's starvation tactics as particularly endangering the youngest in their development. They contend that Israel's war in Gaza is not just against Hamas, but is designed to destroy the Palestinians' livelihood and devastate their society.
The scholars' appeal for action extends beyond government intervention, urging civil society to play a role in pressuring governments to act. This call for civil disobedience, including mass demonstrations and strikes, is a significant aspect of their appeal.
In Belgium, unions have taken action, calling on their workers to block weapons shipments to Israel as early as late October 2023. The court in Belgium recently ruled in favor of the unions, banning any transport of military goods to Israel through Belgian ports.
The situation in Gaza has sparked growing public discontent, as evidenced by the number of protests, such as the 100,000-strong demonstration in The Hague. If the same proportion of the German population participated, it would equate to a demo of 500,000 people in Germany.
Germany, as a signatory state, is obligated by the Genocide Convention to do everything to prevent or punish genocide in Gaza. The Genocide Convention is a legally binding international agreement aimed at preventing and punishing genocide. Yet, the German government is barely doing anything.
Doctors have reported the IDF repeatedly targeting children in Gaza. This is a concern that resonates with the scholars, who remind that Germany co-signed a statement in the genocide case against Myanmar at the International Criminal Court, which states that attacks targeting children are an indicator of genocidal intent.
The potential for increased civil disobedience in response to the situation in Gaza is a developing trend. Several prominent German organizations and political figures, including parts of the peace movement exemplified by Friedenszentrum Braunschweig e.V., have publicly opposed German arms deliveries to Israel and called for aid to Gaza. However, many major German organizations have remained silent or non-committal on taking a firm public position against the genocide allegations or actively participating in efforts to end it.
Polls suggest that Germans are overwhelmingly against Israel's war, but not enough to feel the need to take action. This lethargy is a potential concern, as the scholars continue to urge civil society to take action in response to the situation in Gaza.
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