Breaking Ties with Israel: A Duty of Decent Governments

• A recent report by UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, titled 'Torture and Genocide,' documents systematic strategies by the Israeli government, military, and judiciary to humiliate, terrorize, and displace Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank.
• Author Fernando Luengo argues that while some European governments rhetorically support a two-state solution, their continued diplomatic and economic ties make them complicit in the ongoing atrocities.
• The article contends that a truly decent and consistent government must move beyond rhetoric and sever all economic and diplomatic relations with Israel to stop contributing to these crimes.

Key Recommendations for States

• Cease all collaboration in crimes committed by Israel and fulfill obligations to prevent and prosecute genocide, torture, and international law violations.
• Strengthen mechanisms to gather evidence for judicial proceedings, trace missing Palestinians, and ensure adequate reparations for victims.
• Activate universal jurisdiction to prosecute individuals and legal entities involved in serious international crimes.
• Provide international funding for psychosocial support programs for survivors, particularly former prisoners and victims of torture or sexual violence.
• Ensure corporations and their executives terminate all relations with Israel to avoid direct involvement in human rights violations.