Environmental Devastation in Gaza: Analysing Israeli Attacks through the View of International Environmental Law

Abstract

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has severely impacted Gaza’s environment, worsening its humanitarian crisis. This study examines the environmental consequences of Israeli military actions through International Environmental Law, using normative legal research methods. It identifies extensive damage, including soil degradation, air pollution, water contamination, biodiversity loss, and significant health impacts. Expert testimonies highlight the long-term devastation. Despite international frameworks like Protocol I of the Geneva Conventions and the ENMOD Convention, enforcement challenges hinder effective environmental protection. The International Law Commission’s draft principles on Protecting the Environment in Armed Conflicts offer potential solutions, but implementation remains difficult. The global community must provide technical assistance and financial support for Gaza’s recovery and hold Israel accountable under International Environmental Law to ensure justice and prevent further harm. Sustainable reconstruction, combined with adherence to legal standards, is crucial for Gaza’s future resilience. This paper urgently calls for robust legal and policy frameworks that integrate environmental and humanitarian concerns. Strengthening these frameworks can help safeguard the environment in conflict zones, promoting a sustainable and just future for affected populations.