Did you know that even wars, in all their horror, have rules that should not be violated? These rules are established by international humanitarian law, a set of international regulations that have evolved over the years to protect civilians from the horrors of war.
In 1859, during the Franco-Austrian War, a Swiss businessman named Henry Dunant is said to have visited the battlefield and witnessed the tragic condition of wounded soldiers. At that time, he proposed two things:
Firstly, the establishment of a permanent relief agency for humanitarian aid, especially for soldiers during wartime.
Secondly, the signing of a government treaty to provide support for wounded soldiers in any war.
Dunant then founded the International Committee for Relief to the Wounded in 1863, which later became known, starting from 1876, as the International Committee of the Red Cross—an organization dedicated to addressing the affairs of the wounded.
As well, the First Geneva Convention was signed in 1864 to improve the conditions of soldiers wounded in the field of war.
Over time, the convention evolved, and a significant development occurred after World War I (1914-1918).
In 1929, the Geneva Convention on Prisoners of War was ratified, further advancing the principles of humanitarian law.
The most notable evolution, however, came after World War II (1939-1945). Following the atrocities witnessed during this war, the Geneva Convention of 1949 was established, encompassing four agreements related to the protection of war-wounded soldiers, the drowned armed forces at sea, and prisoners of war.
Notably, for the first time, the convention stipulated not only the protection of civilians during wars but also the safeguarding of civilian sites, preventing their use as battlefields.
What are these sites that the law prohibits targeting?
First and foremost, residential areas where civilians live, including children, women, and the elderly.
Secondly, schools and universities.
Thirdly, vital facilities that, if struck, would have significant humanitarian consequences, such as dams, bridges, and nuclear power stations.
Additionally, there is a prohibition on targeting sources of food supplies, agricultural areas, water supply facilities, and their networks.
Fourthly, hospitals. In no circumstances should hospitals providing care for the wounded and sick be attacked, and medical personnel must not be targeted. This extends to all emergency services, such as the Red Cross, civil defense, and all relief teams.
Fifth, cultural and religious properties, such as places of worship, which are irreplaceable and hold significant importance for the cultural heritage of nations.
Sixth, international institutions tasked with maintaining peace and security.
Violating these rules constitutes a war crime, punishable by international law and international criminal courts.
Despite the development and enforcement of these rules over the years, violations have continued in all the wars the world has witnessed.
So, who ensures the enforcement of these laws, and who holds these countries, particularly Israel, accountable for breaching numerous articles in these laws during events like Operation Al-Aqsa Flood?