Israeli-Palestinian Conflict

We provide in-depth analysis of the measures taken by authorities in Israel and Palestine to restrict civil and political rights.

• Adherence to IHL and international human rights law is a means to improve the humanitarian situation in the occupied territory.
• Greater awareness among the Israeli and Palestinian societies and within the international community, and implementation of the law, addresses the root causes of the conflict and contributes to peace in the region.
• IHL provides an objective tool for advocacy beyond moral, political, and religious argumentation.

We assess that it is a lack of political will on the part of the primary duty bearers – rather than a poor understanding of their obligations – that is the driving factor for recurring violations of international law in the Israeli-Palestinian context. The Diakonia IHL Centre engages directly with stakeholders that have the capacity to influence the primary duty bearers – the diplomatic and humanitarian community in Israel and the occupied Palestinian territory – to push for better compliance with IHL. Through our research and training, we also seek to strengthen the capacity of local and international civil society organizations to promote respect for IHL in their advocacy vis-à-vis key stakeholders with a view to securing greater humanitarian protection.