United Nations member countries have a historic opportunity to take concrete actions towards ending decades of impunity for Israeli authorities’ violations of international humanitarian and human rights law against Palestinians. On July 28-29, 2025, the High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution and Peace in Palestine will be held, providing a platform for global leaders to publicly commit to bringing justice and accountability for the Palestinian people.
The Palestinian people have been living under occupation for over 70 years, facing ongoing human rights violations and grave injustices. Despite numerous resolutions and condemnations by the United Nations, the Israeli authorities continue to act with impunity, disregarding international law and the suffering of the Palestinian people.
Human Rights Watch, an international non-governmental organization, has called on all member countries of the United Nations to use the ministerial-level conference on Palestine as an opportunity to make concrete commitments towards ending this cycle of impunity. It is time for the international community to take a bold stand and push for justice for the Palestinian people.
One of the key issues that must be addressed is the illegal settlements built by Israel in the occupied Palestinian territories. These settlements not only violate international law, but also lead to the displacement and dispossession of Palestinian families from their homes and land. The continued expansion of settlements is a major obstacle to the realization of a two-state solution and must be addressed with urgency.
Furthermore, the Israeli authorities have a long history of using excessive and indiscriminate force against Palestinian civilians, resulting in countless deaths and injuries. The use of live ammunition, tear gas, and rubber-coated steel bullets has become a regular occurrence in the occupied territories, causing severe harm and trauma to the Palestinian population. This must end, and those responsible for these human rights violations must be held accountable.
The conference on Palestine presents an opportunity for member countries to publicly commit to concrete actions aimed at ending these decades of impunity. This can include imposing targeted sanctions on Israel and its officials, as well as supporting investigations into human rights violations and ensuring accountability for those responsible. It is time for the international community to take action and show their commitment to upholding human rights and justice for the Palestinian people.
Moreover, the ongoing blockade on the Gaza Strip, which has been in place since 2007, has had devastating consequences on the lives of Palestinians living in Gaza. The blockade has severely restricted access to basic necessities such as food, clean water, and medical supplies, resulting in a humanitarian crisis. The international community must demand the lifting of the blockade and work towards providing necessary aid and support to the people of Gaza.
The conference on Palestine also presents an opportunity to address the issue of Palestinian political prisoners, who are subjected to inhumane treatment and torture in Israeli prisons. Many of these prisoners are detained without charge or trial and are denied access to legal representation. This blatant disregard for human rights must be brought to an end, and the international community must demand the immediate release of all political prisoners.
In addition, the conference on Palestine can serve as a platform for member countries to discuss and commit to supporting the rights of Palestinian refugees. Millions of Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from their homes and land, and their right to return must be recognized and upheld. It is the responsibility of the international community to support and protect the rights of these refugees.
As the world continues to grapple with various challenges, it is crucial that we do not forget the ongoing plight of the Palestinian people. The ministerial-level conference on Palestine is an opportunity for the international community to take a stand for justice, accountability, and human rights for the Palestinian people. It is time to end the decades of impunity and work towards a just and peaceful resolution for all parties involved.
In conclusion, the High-Level Conference on the Two-State Solution and Peace in Palestine is a crucial step towards bringing justice and accountability for the Palestinian people. It is imperative that member countries of the United Nations use this platform to publicly commit to concrete actions aimed at ending decades of impunity for Israeli authorities’ violations of international humanitarian and human rights law against Palestinians. The world is watching, and it is time to take a stand for justice and peace in Palestine.
