Archive · 7 Jan 2026
State Obligation to Prevent Genocide
International law is a set of rules that governs how countries interact with each other.
A long time ago, only countries were considered part of international law, but after World War II, individuals and their rights became important too.
This led to the creation of treaties and conventions to protect people from serious crimes like genocide.
The Genocide Convention, created in 1948, says that all countries have a duty to prevent and punish genocide.
Recently, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants against leaders for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Israel-Hamas war.
There is also a peace plan for Gaza, but many experts think it won't work unless it addresses important issues like Palestinian statehood and justice for the victims.
International law governs relations between nations and includes treaties, custom, and general principles of law as primary sources.
The Genocide Convention (1948) recognizes genocide as a grave crime against humanity and emphasizes international cooperation for its prevention and punishment.
The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity during the Israel-Hamas war.
The Gaza peace plan, signed in October 2025, aims to end the war and create a de-radicalised and secure Gaza, but its effectiveness is questioned due to unresolved issues like Palestinian statehood and justice.
International law experts argue that lasting peace will lack legitimacy without accountability and redress for Palestinian suffering.
- Who
- States, international bodies, and individuals, including leaders and subordinates, are subjects of international law and can be held responsible for crimes such as genocide.
- What
- The obligation of states to prevent genocide and the legal mechanisms for prosecuting such crimes, including the issuance of arrest warrants by the International Criminal Court.
- When
- The Genocide Convention was adopted in 1948, and the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants in November 2024.
- Where
- The context includes the Israel-Hamas war (2023-2025) and the Bosnian Genocide case, among others.
- Why
- To uphold international law, prevent grave crimes against humanity, and ensure accountability and justice for victims.
- Jeremy Bentham
- English philosopher, jurist, and social reformer who founded utilitarianism
- Lassa Francis Lawrence Oppenheim
- German jurist known as the father of modern international law
- International Court of Justice
- Primary sources of international law include treaties, custom, and general principles of law
- UN Charter (1945)
- Initiated recognition of individual rights and the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
- Genocide Convention (1948)
- Recognizes genocide as a grave crime against humanity and emphasizes international cooperation for its prevention and punishment
- International Criminal Court (ICC)
- Issued arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity
- Gaza Peace Plan (2025)
- A multilateral initiative between Israel and Hamas led by US President Donald Trump, aimed at ending the war and creating a de-radicalised and secure Gaza