Amnesty: Israeli Elections Must Not Distract from Int’l Crimes

Erika Guevara Rosas, Amnesty International’s Director of Research, Policy and Campaigns, issued a stark warning ahead of Israel’s Knesset elections scheduled for October 27. She emphasized that while global attention focuses on the ballot box, Palestinians have endured decades of systematic violations by successive Israeli governments with no expectation of positive change in their human rights situation.

According to the organization, political candidates have openly exploited anti-Palestinian sentiment, threatening to escalate human rights abuses and international crimes for political gain. The statement highlights rhetoric that dehumanizes Palestinians and pledges to cement illegal annexation measures in the occupied West Bank, alongside threats to inflict further destruction in Gaza. Furthermore, various political figures called for the exclusion of Sami Abu Shahaadeh, an Israeli citizen and leader of the Ta’al party, in a move Amnesty International described as a blatant disregard for freedom of association, expression, and assembly.

In the occupied West Bank, including illegally annexed East Jerusalem, families continue to face displacement and home demolitions. Military restrictions on farmers, combined with state-sponsored settler attacks, have turned the olive harvest season into a period of terror. Meanwhile, in Gaza, Amnesty International describes an ongoing genocide. Despite the passage of a year since a purported ceasefire, civilian killings persist. Expanded restricted zones and indefinite delays in reconstruction have left residents trapped in despair and protracted forced displacement. Border closures for commercial supplies force civilians into long queues for basic food, while restrictions on engine oil imports threaten to cripple the already devastated healthcare sector.

The report underscores that impunity for crimes linked to Israel’s apartheid system and unlawful occupation has only fueled further aggression against Palestinians. It notes that Israel has launched lethal attacks in Lebanon, killing thousands, destroying civilian homes and infrastructure, and displacing tens of thousands along the border. Similar unlawful destruction and military attacks have occurred in Syria.

Millions affected by these policies, including Palestinians in the occupied territories and civilians in Lebanon and Syria, possess no voting rights in the upcoming elections. Amnesty International urges influential states to utilize diplomatic and economic measures to protect these populations. Specific demands include pressuring any new Israeli government to halt the genocide in Gaza, dismantle the apartheid system, end ethnic cleansing in the West Bank, and terminate the illegal occupation. Additionally, pressure must be applied to cease unlawful attacks across the region, withdraw forces from southern Lebanon, and allow displaced Lebanese citizens to return home.

The organization concludes that states are obligated to hold Israel accountable immediately. Recommended actions include suspending the EU-Israel Association Agreement, imposing arms embargoes, and ending cooperation that perpetuates the illegal occupation. The background context notes that while polling stations will be available in illegal settlements, millions under direct Israeli control, including those in East Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Gaza, remain disenfranchised.

This report was produced by the HuMedia newsroom.