The video Gaza: Is International Law a Waste of Time? features Francesca Albanese, an international lawyer, discussing the biases and political dynamics that hinder justice in cases like Gaza. She highlights the double standards in global responses to genocide and stresses the need for solidarity, accountability, and renewed commitment to international law.

International Law: Flawed but Not Obsolete

Francesca Albanese highlights how international law, while not obsolete, suffers from implementation flaws due to discrimination and bias. She discusses double standards in addressing crimes like genocide, using Gaza as an example, and points to failures in addressing past atrocities in Rwanda and Bosnia. The western-centric nature of the legal system perpetuates these issues, requiring urgent reform.

The Slow Pace of Justice in Preventing Genocide

Albanese critiques the sluggish response of international legal processes in addressing potential genocides, particularly in Palestine. She acknowledges progress in investigations, such as provisional measures by the International Court of Justice (ICJ), but notes widespread non-compliance. Political interests and power dynamics hinder the prosecution of genocidal incitement, a crime under international law, allowing atrocities to persist.

Suppression of Fundamental Freedoms

Albanese condemns the global suppression of freedoms aimed at silencing support for Palestinians and their struggle against genocide. She highlights the historical acceptance of these crimes and the reluctance of Western nations to intervene. Emphasizing solidarity and understanding of international law, she calls for unity against colonial legacies and denial of justice.

Genocide in Gaza: Criteria and Concerns

Albanese argues that the actions in Gaza align with the Genocide Convention’s criteria more than with the definition of war. She critiques the EU's reluctance to condemn Israel, attributing it to political interests overriding human rights. Drawing on Israel’s history of settler-colonial practices, she links the current ethnic cleansing policies to events like those of October 7.

Legal Manipulation and Escalation of Violence

The speaker outlines how Israel uses legal manipulation to expand settlements and oppress Palestinians, creating a dual legal system. She criticizes the fabrications surrounding October 7, the dehumanization in Israeli textbooks, and escalating violence, which contribute to a social consensus supporting atrocities against Palestinians.

Recognizing Genocidal Intent

Albanese stresses the importance of recognizing the genocidal intent behind Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank. She highlights extreme violations of international law, such as targeting UN infrastructure, and calls for Israel’s isolation, including suspension of its UN membership credentials. She also urges greater solidarity from Arab and Muslim nations.

Arab Countries and International Law

Albanese discusses Arab countries' inconsistent support for Palestine. While some have adopted international legal mechanisms like the Rome Statute, substantive actions to hold Israel accountable are lacking. She calls for Arab states to align their policies with international law and provide stronger backing for the Palestinian struggle.

Raising Awareness and Overcoming Challenges

Despite challenges such as conservative court judgments, Albanese underscores the importance of raising awareness about the ongoing genocide in Gaza. She reflects on personal experiences with accusations of anti-Semitism aimed at silencing criticism of Israel, emphasizing the need to remain focused on exposing atrocities.

Solidarity and Resilience Against Suppression

Addressing young activists, Albanese warns against the misuse of anti-Semitism to silence critics of Israel. She advocates for distinguishing critique from bigotry and encourages resilience and solidarity in the fight for justice. She draws inspiration from the perseverance of Palestinians in Gaza, urging activists to stay principled.

A Revolution in Mindset for Justice

Albanese calls for historical reflection and acknowledgment of colonial legacies to fuel motivation in fighting injustice. She emphasizes the need for a revolutionary shift in mindset and behavior, urging individuals to consciously shape a future rooted in justice and equality.

Francesca Albanese is a renowned international lawyer and the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Human Rights in the Palestinian Territories. With extensive experience in refugee and humanitarian law, she has worked with UNRWA, UNHCR, and other organizations, focusing on forced displacement and human rights violations. Co-author of Palestinian Refugees in International Law, Albanese is a leading voice advocating for accountability, justice, and the universality of international legal principles. She is known for addressing systemic bias and championing solidarity in the fight for peace and human rights.