This article published by Blast on June 27, 2026 was co-written and co-signed by four members of JURDI: Dr. Rony Brauman, member of the Scientific Council, Farah Safi, Vice-President, Nour Kulzi and Patrick Zahnd, President of JURDI.
It recalls the most imperative legal norms of the special protection regime for the wounded and sick in situations of armed conflict, which are at the very heart of IHL. These norms consequently oblige parties to a conflict to respect and protect those who care for them, such as the health facilities (hospitals) where they are treated or medical transport (ambulances).
Yet these same protected individuals and infrastructure are constantly subjected to intentional attacks and annihilation, which constitute a "deliberate military strategy" by the Israeli armed forces. These constitute war crimes in the OPT and Lebanon, as well as crimes against humanity and the ongoing crime of genocide in the Gaza Strip.
She also denounces the widespread arbitrary arrests and illegal detentions of healthcare workers, and in particular that of Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, director of Kamal Adwan Hospital, who was abducted on December 27, 2024, held in solitary confinement without any legal guarantees, and tortured in violation of the fundamental principle of humane treatment. She notes that his appeal after a year and a half of detention was rejected by the Israeli Supreme Court on June 16, 2026.
It recalls the obligation of third states like France to do everything possible to "ensure respect, in all circumstances" by Israel of these obligations, as well as the obligation to prevent the crime of genocide.
The op-ed proposes a "surge" for France and other European states by adopting 3 concrete measures.
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