A group of Israeli international law experts, including Prof. Tomer Broude, Prof. Guy Harpaz, Prof. Yuval Shany, Prof. Moshe Hirsch, Prof. David Kretzmer, and Prof. Yael Ronen from the Faculty of Law at The Hebrew University of Jerusalem have issued an open letter to the International Community, including United Nations Human Rights bodies, urging the immediate release of all the hostages held in Gaza.
The letter states that: On October 7, 2023, Hamas militants entered Israel, killing hundreds of civilians and taking dozens of hostages, including children, women and the elderly. These actions are serious violations of international human rights and humanitarian law, constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity. All parties in armed conflicts must adhere to international legal norms, including the protection of civilians and the prohibition of indiscriminate attacks. The taking of hostages is a clear breach of international law, and we demand the immediate and unconditional release of all hostages. Until their release, they must be treated with dignity, provided medical care, and allowed means of communication. We call on the international community, including states and international organizations, to exert pressure for the hostages’ immediate release.