In a recent interview with Al Jazeera, Kenneth Roth, a visiting professor at the Princeton School for International Affairs, spoke out against Israel’s attacks on the occupied West Bank, labeling them as a “flat-out war” with far-right members of the government aiming to expel all Palestinians from the territory.
Roth emphasized the importance of upholding humanitarian principles, particularly in conflict zones like the Jenin refugee camp where there is extensive combat between Israeli forces and militants. Despite the ongoing violence, Roth stressed that the Geneva Conventions still apply, requiring Israel to allow access to humanitarian aid for civilians in the region.
“It can’t just cut off food, water, electricity, and medical care – as we’ve heard it’s doing,” Roth stated. “It has a duty to allow those for the civilian population. It can’t use the excuse of the fighters to starve civilians, and that’s what it did in Gaza.”
The situation in the occupied West Bank has escalated in recent weeks, with reports of Israeli forces conducting raids and attacks in various parts of the region. The impact on civilians, particularly those living in refugee camps like Jenin, has been severe, with many facing shortages of essential supplies and services.
As the conflict continues to unfold, Roth’s words serve as a reminder of the importance of upholding human rights and ensuring access to humanitarian assistance for all those affected by the violence in the region.
Watch the video by Al Jazeera English
Video “Israel ‘can’t use the excuse of fighters to starve civilians’: Kenneth Roth” was uploaded on 09/01/2024 to Youtube Channel Al Jazeera English