G7 leaders are being urged to take decisive actions against Israeli activities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory at their upcoming summit, according to Human Rights Watch. The summit is scheduled for June 15-17, 2025, in Kananaskis, Alberta, hosted by Canada.
Human Rights Watch highlights ongoing hostilities and an unlawful blockade of Gaza by Israel. Experts warn of a potential famine affecting the civilian population in Gaza due to these conditions.
Bruno Stagno, chief advocacy officer at Human Rights Watch, stated that “the double standards of many G7 nations have, over many months, effectively given Israel a green light to escalate its destruction of Gaza and the killing, starvation, and forced displacement of its people.” He emphasized the need for more significant action beyond current measures like reviewing bilateral agreements and sanctioning Israeli officials.
The organization has documented severe abuses by Israeli authorities during hostilities in Gaza and other regions. These include war crimes, ethnic cleansing, crimes against humanity such as extermination and forcible displacement, and acts of genocide. Additionally, Human Rights Watch has reported on apartheid and persecution crimes against Palestinians by Israeli authorities and war crimes by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups following attacks on October 7.
Israel has reportedly ignored three binding orders from the International Court of Justice related to preventing genocide. In November 2024, International Criminal Court judges issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes in Gaza. Mohammed Deif from Hamas also faces similar charges.
The United Nations described Gaza as “one of the most obstructed aid operations” globally on May 30. The West Bank has seen increased repression by Israeli forces displacing tens of thousands of Palestinians.
Recent sanctions from countries like Canada, the UK, and Australia against Israeli officials involved in settler violence mark progress but are deemed insufficient by Human Rights Watch. Their letter urges G7 leaders to implement concrete measures with deadlines to address impunity for violations in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Suggested actions include targeted sanctions against responsible Israeli officials; suspending arms transfers; banning trade with illegal settlements; reviewing bilateral agreements; and supporting the ICC.
Stagno warned that without commitment to these actions at the G7 Summit, it risks becoming “an exercise in empty rhetoric.”
