French Thinker Jérôme Heurtaux: Gaza Reflects a Fundamental Collapse of International Justice

French researcher Jérôme Heurtaux conducted an interview with Al Jazeera Net, analyzing the structural crises in international law. He pointed to its inability to protect civilians during conflicts, focusing on the war in Gaza as a stark example.

Roots of the Structural Crisis in International Law

Infrastructure of Failure

Heurtaux revealed that the global justice system suffers from deeply rooted structural crises affecting its effectiveness in preventing violations. These problems stem from incomplete legislation and weak enforcement mechanisms.

Problem of Selective Application

The French thinker highlighted that international law is subject to the influence of major powers, leading to its selective application. This selectivity undermines the credibility of the entire system and renders it incapable of achieving the desired justice.

Failure of Protection in the Gaza Context

Collapse of Protective Barriers

Heurtaux described the situation in Gaza as a pivotal moment revealing the complete failure of the international system. The Palestinian territories witnessed a total collapse of mechanisms designed to protect civilians during armed conflicts.

Consequences for Civilians

Heurtaux confirmed that this failure is clearly manifested in the ongoing suffering of the population without any real deterrent. The absence of effective accountability paves the way for continued violations against civilians in conflict zones.

Theses of the Book “Has International Law Died in Gaza?”

Critical Analysis of Reality

Heurtaux’s recently published book provides a detailed analysis of the international system’s failure in the Gaza Strip. The book fundamentally re-examines the question of the relevance of international laws in the absence of political will.

Historical Comparisons

The researcher compared the performance of international law in Gaza with previous conflict scenarios, concluding there has been a noticeable deterioration in the effectiveness of international mechanisms. This comparison highlights a clear regression in civilian protection in recent decades.