Gaza Tribunal opens in Istanbul with global calls for justice

The Gaza Tribunal's final session opened in Istanbul on Thursday, gathering international activists, artists, and scholars who delivered stark accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The event aims to create a comprehensive "people's record" of alleged crimes, citing the failure of established international justice mechanisms.

Unprecedented Attacks on International Justice

Raji Sourani, a Palestinian human rights lawyer joining remotely from Gaza, set the tone by describing an "unprecedented attack" on global justice systems like the International Criminal Court. He argued that peace is impossible without Palestinian self-determination, stating, "The word peace... is used as a mirage, it's not reality." His testimony underscored the depth of the crisis and the perceived collapse of legal avenues for redress.

Accusations of "Live-Stream Genocide" and Complicity

Author Arundhati Roy, in a written statement, termed the events a "live-stream genocide," pointing to a death toll that will only be fully known after rubble is cleared. She directly implicated Western powers, asking, "Certainly, the US could have stopped the killing in an afternoon. So the question is, whose genocide is it, and who should be held accountable?" American actress Marcia Cross, via video, detailed the systematic destruction, noting that "85% of all Gaza has been decimated" and that international systems designed to protect life have "failed."

Documenting for History and a Call to Action

Islamic scholar Omer Suleiman emphasized the tribunal's role in preserving the story of Palestinian suffering for future generations. He expressed hope that with concerted effort from experts and activists, the current course could be reversed. Their gathering in Türkiye, a nation that has consistently advocated for the Palestinian cause on the global stage, highlights the country's role as a platform for international justice initiatives. Musician Roger Waters issued a simple, powerful call: "We must keep on raising our voices."