COVID-19
and IHL
The COVID-19 pandemic has severe consequences on people affected by armed conflict. We analyse the aspects of international humanitarian law and the impact of the occupation in the Palestinian territory on the fight against the pandemic.
The COVID-19 pandemic poses an unprecedented challenge for the world. In the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt), these challenges are compounded by the pre-existing situation of prolonged occupation.
In Gaza, the pandemic also takes place in the context of a 14-year-old blockade, which has led notably to a chronic lack of access to essential goods and the erosion of health care, water and sanitation services.
The occupation and blockade imposed by Israel severely exacerbate the health, economic and social impact of the COVID-19 crisis on the population and undermine the capacity of local authorities to fight the virus.
Our Research
What are the obligations of third states?
“No one is safe until everyone is safe”. These words, expressed both by the UN Secretary-General and by the Director of WHO, underline the importance of international cooperation to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic.
COVID-19 vaccines for the Palestinian population
Who is responsible under international law?
The objective of this Q&A is to clarify who is responsible, under international law, for the vaccination of the Palestinian population of the occupied Palestinian territory.
COVID-19 in Gaza
Legal obligations of authorities
This legal brief clarifies the obligations, under international law, of the different authorities that have an influence on the COVID-19 response in Gaza.
Obligations of an occupying power during a pandemic
This legal factsheet outlines the main obligations of an occupying power with respect to the health of the population of the occupied territory.
Legal implications of demolition and confiscation incidents during the COVID-19 outbreak
Over the past weeks during the COVID-19 pandemic, protection incidents involving demolitions of residential structures, confiscation of medical equipment and food aid and the targeting of WASH infrastructure crucial to combat the further outbreak of the pandemic have been reported in the occupied Palestinian territory (oPt).