Israel/Gaza conflict: Questions and Answers | Amnesty International
"During an armed conflict, all parties –
whether state or non-state armed forces – must respect international
humanitarian law, which aims to protect civilians by regulating the
conduct of all sides in hostilities. States also continue to have an
obligation to respect international human rights law during a conflict."
What does Amnesty International think of the resolution
passed by the UN Human Rights Council on 23 July? What should happen
next?
Amnesty International welcomes resolution S-21/1 to
establish a commission of inquiry and notes that the wording allows the
commission to investigate violations of international law by all
parties to the current conflict. The commission of inquiry represents an
important opportunity to break the cycle of persistent impunity for
crimes under international law in Israel and the Occupied Palestinian
Territories (OPT). In order to be effective the commission of inquiry
must be thorough, independent and impartial, and look into violations by
any party to the conflict. It must be adequately resourced and have
unrestricted access to all relevant areas. Amnesty International urges
all states – including all EU member states, who abstained on the
resolution – to co-operate with the commission as required.
http://www.amnesty.org/en/news/israelgaza-conflict-questions-and-answers-2014-07-25