U.N. Human Rights Commissioner Navi Pillay on Friday said Israel's restrictions on people and goods coming in and out Gaza violates the rules of warfare. Specifically, Pillay said the Gaza blockade amounts to collective punishment of civilians, which is prohibited under the Geneva Conventions on the conduct of warfare and occupation. Pillay cited the conventions' requirement that “no protected person may be punished for an offense he or she has not personally committed. Collective penalties and likewise all measures of intimidation or of terrorism are prohibited.” The convention also bans reprisals against civilians under occupation and their property. The U.N. rights chief urged Israel to ease restrictions immediately “with a view to the complete lifting of the blockade and other restrictions.” Pillay told the Israeli government to “stop its expansion of settlements, which are illegal.”
