Human Rights and Democracy Media Center- SHAMS, affirms that executing the 17 years old child Othman Atef Abu Khurj in al-Zababda Town- Jenin by the Israeli soldiers, on Tuesday 22/8/2023, is a fully, executed crime. The crime was committed intentionally during daylight, by the Israeli army. The child was shot dead in his head for the sake of executing him while raiding the town by the Israeli army.
SHAMS Center stresses that executing the child Abu Khurj is a war crime according to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court. In accordance with Article 8 of the statute, a war crime occurs when a perpetrator kills one or more individuals who are protected under the Geneva Conventions (1949). The perpetrator must be aware of the circumstances surrounding the crime for it to qualify as a completed war crime under international human rights law.
SHAMS Center strongly condemns the horrible crime that serves as a new ring within the systematic ongoing crimes of the occupation against Palestinian children. The crime stands as a profound violation of International Humanitarian Law, particularly the Geneva Fourth Convention, which neutralizes children and civilians during armed conflicts and protects children as being part of civilians who are not involved in the military conflict. At the same time, the crime is a violation of the Convention on Child Rights (1989).
SHAMS Center reminds us that the continuation of these crimes within the silence of the International Community clearly indicates the double standards policy applied by the international community based on the nationality of the victim and the nationality of the criminal. Additionally, the crime is a clear manifestation of the escaping punishment privilege that Israeli officers and military personnel are enjoying. The Israeli war criminals are enjoying impunity and are not presented to international criminal courts thanks to international political coverage.
SHAMS Center calls upon all the local and international legal and human rights organizations to fulfill their legal and moral responsibilities in protecting Palestinian children. Palestinian children are subject to state terrorism committed by the Israeli government and implemented by the Israeli Occupation Army.
END