On the State of Israel's right to defend its borders and ensure long-term security

Resolution No. 2/2024

In view of the growing international pressure on the State of Israel for a complete and immediate ceasefire and the suspension of military operations, and in light of Resolution No. 2728 adopted by the UN Security Council on March 25, as well as the ongoing proceedings against the State of Israel at the International Court of Justice.

EAJC condemns the false and groundless allegations made by the South African authorities in their lawsuit against Israel at the International Court of Justice, and opposes the cynical exploitation and dilution of the term "genocide," the definition of which in international law was established in the aftermath of the horrors of the Holocaust.

EAJC reiterates that it was the Hamas terrorists who initiated the war against the State of Israel through a series of brutally inhumane terrorist attacks on October 7, 2023.

EAJC supports Israel's strict commitment to international law and simultaneously emphasizes the absolute right of the Jewish state to defend its sovereign territory and citizens against attacks by the terrorist organization.

EAJC asserts that based on the principle of self-defense enshrined in the UN Charter, Israel has both the right and the duty to continue its military campaign in the Gaza Strip until the following three objectives are achieved: the return of all hostages, the elimination of the military and terrorist threat posed by Hamas and any other groups, the dismantling of Hamas as a political entity in the Gaza Strip, and the establishment of long-term security for the State of Israel and its citizens.

EAJC regrets the civilian casualties and suffering resulting from the hostilities.

EAJC maintains the conviction that the primary responsibility for the devastating consequences of the war on both sides lies with the terrorist organization Hamas, its patrons, and its accomplices.

EAJC considers it critical to emphasize that Israel is compelled to wage a difficult, asymmetric war against a ruthless adversary that flagrantly violates all norms of international law by operating from civilian installations and densely populated areas of the Gaza Strip, using the civilian population as human shields and thereby deliberately causing high numbers of civilian casualties.

EAJC underscores that the Hamas organization remains the primary obstacle to peace, and the war could end immediately if Hamas terrorists lay down their arms and release all Israeli hostages.