In the wake of a devastating death toll exceeding 9,000 and the apparent paralysis of the United Nations, it is high time for nations worldwide to reevaluate the role of the UN and its Security Council. Post-World War II, the five nations considered superpowers at the time took control of the Security Council, endowing themselves with veto powers and assuming the role of global protectors. Other nations became member states with the hope that this structure would safeguard world order, peace, and stability, and prevent another devastating global conflict. However, the ongoing bombardment of Gaza, despite protests from UN member states, and the deliberate targeting of civilians and refugee camps, are indefensible under any circumstances. There is a limit to what a nation can do to defend itself against aggression, and Israel’s actions can only be described as a form of genocide and a crime against humanity. Israel has long crossed the red line of international norms, and Western and pro-Israel powers appear to be silently observing the atrocities committed against civilians, including those seeking refuge, hospitals, UN staff, and international media. Mainstream media outlets like CNN and the BBC are criticized for presenting a one-sided view, failing to depict the true extent of the suffering on the ground, where innocent children, mothers, and ordinary people are targeted. However, it must be emphasized that the attack on Israeli civilians on October 7th is also a crime under international law and warrants equal attention and action. International law acknowledges a nation’s right to self-defense, but Israel’s actions have breached international standards, constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity. These violations call for the immediate issuance of warrants for the arrest of Israel’s Prime Minister, Defense Minister, and army generals by the International Criminal Court. Regrettably, most Islamic countries are not signatories of the Rome Statute. Malaysia, being a multi-racial and multi-religious nation, missed a significant opportunity when it withdrew its commitment to the Rome Statute in 2019 under the Pakatan Harapan government, succumbing to unfounded fears and pressure from the then opposition. Had Malaysia remained steadfast, it could have played a vital role in referring Israel to the International Criminal Court. In light of the catastrophe befalling innocents in Palestine, it is imperative that Israel’s reckless bombings and civilian casualties come to an immediate end. We call upon the Malaysian Prime Minister and Foreign Minister to engage and lobby signatory countries to initiate international action against Israel at the ICC. The suffering in the region is an urgent call for accountability and justice in the face of these grave violations of human rights and international law.
*(The writer is a former Minister of Malaysia and a human rights lawyer.)*
