Israel in Violation of International Law in Respect to Settlements and How it Deals With the Palestinians.
 

Israel has been rightly accused of being in violation of international law in respect to settlements and how it treats the Palestinians. Israel’s development of settlements in occupied Palestinian regions has been affirmed by the United Nations to have no legal validity. The settlements spur on violence from both Israelis and Palestinians, whilst also, as Red Cross outlines, remains unlawful under the Fourth Geneva Convention which states that population transfer from the occupier’s territory into the occupied is prohibited. However, Israel to this day continue to develop, expand and cater for their citizens, whilst neglecting the human rights of the Palestinians. Israel has often attempted to justify how these settlements are not a violation, as well as blanketing their inhumane treatment of the Palestinians under a banner of self-defence and security. Regardless of their flawed justifications, how they deal with the Arabs has been recognized as a breach of human rights. Demolishing homes, reducing access to medicines, water and other resources, limiting electricity, arbitrarily arresting children and adults, torturing, murder, violence, and restricting movement are only a handful of internationally recognized infringements that Israel has undergone in either the West Bank, Gaza Strip or both. If this abuse continues the UN’s prediction of Gaza becoming unlivable in 2020 may reign true; however, some would argue that it is already unlivable and resembles an open-air prison.
 

There are multiple issues and breaches of law that the Israeli settlements present. The settlements have created a very viable ground for apartheid; geographically and ideologically separating the Palestinians from the Israelis. The public sentiments and actions from various settlers have been seen as threatening and discriminatory against those originally residing in the area. Some even acting out in physical and verbal abuse. The Palestinian agricultural sector has also been destroyed and many have been forced to expand in regions that don’t comply with their needs. The Palestinians have been denied basic rights and freedoms, including very limited resources that have been prioritised for the Israeli settlers. Water being one of the most significant resources exploited by Israeli authorities. The West Bank was reported to possess approximately 800 million cubic meters, of which the Arab residents only had access to 110 million cubic meters. Many Palestinians are also forced to flee the land due to limited production space, overcrowding and the loss of their homes and livelihoods. It is clear to see that these settlements act against international law and violate many recognized human rights, but it is also important to acknowledge that trading with such settlements also aids in the survival and economic development them. The UN Security Council Resolution 465 was created in order to oblige states not to do so. The Israeli government justified their settlements and limitations by declaring that Palestine was never sovereign and therefore they are not occupying or expanding illegally. However, international bodies argue otherwise, and rightly so.
 

Israel often attempt to legitimize their abuses against Palestinians by labelling them all as terrorists or rebels. However, it is important to note that under the UN Charter the Palestinians have the right to self-determination and resistance; regardless of Israel twisting their defence into that of extremism. Israel limit the supply of water and electricity in Gaza, restrict movement of people and resources, limit medical assistance and overall economic, educational and social services. Israel expresses that some of these restrictions are in place in order to aid in their own military purposes; however, the consequences these have on Palestinian’s basic human rights would prove otherwise. Reliance on humanitarian assistance has hit a high of 70% in Gaza and this isn’t surprising taking into to consideration the unbearable conditions they are forced to endure. To emphasize the severity of the situation and to further highlight illegal activity, it is important to mention the arbitrary arrests that take place, collective punishment and the mass shootings directed at peaceful protestors; all recognized by international bodies to violate various laws and conventions.