Palestinian lawyer and human rights defender Raja Sourani:

▪ What is happening in Gaza cannot be separated from its historical context and the siege imposed on it since 2006.

▪ Palestinians have been subjected over the past years to a series of wars and violations that preceded October 7, 2023.

▪ The continued violations in Gaza require activating international law, holding those responsible accountable, protecting civilians, and applying the rules of international law away from political calculations.

▪ The Convention on the Prevention of Genocide obliges states to prevent it, and the situation in Gaza places the international community before a legal and moral responsibility.

▪ The latest war caused widespread destruction and deterioration in food, water, and medicine, as well as the displacement of large numbers of people, and these facts require investigation and accountability.

▪ Providing political cover for violations obstructs accountability, and international judicial institutions must be able to carry out their duties independently.

▪ The destruction of civilian facilities, the targeting of the health sector, and depriving the population of basic needs raise serious legal issues.

▪ The existence of the International Criminal Court and the International Court of Justice provides frameworks for investigation and accountability, and judicial proceedings must continue away from political pressure.

▪ International law should not be applied selectively, and civilians' rights must receive protection in different parts of the world.

▪ Achieving justice may take years, but that does not justify abandoning the legal path, documenting violations, and preserving evidence.

▪ The Hrant Dink International Award for 2026 is not a personal matter, but rather a message of support for the Palestinian rights community and for the victims.

▪ The essence of the issue is ensuring dignity and justice, applying international law, and activating accountability mechanisms.