Systematic violence underpins settler colonialism's goal of indigenous erasure.
By Cody O'Rourke
cody@goodshepherdcollective.org
The chief prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Karim Khan, announced he is seeking arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of international crimes in Gaza since 8 October — omitting the history that the Israeli regime has waged a campaign of ethnic cleansing since 1948. These include using starvation as a weapon, murder, and attacking civilians. While this marks a significant step against Israeli impunity, Khan has also accused Hamas leaders Ismail Haniyeh, Yahya Sinwar, and Muhammad Deif of crimes including extermination and murder — essentially equating indigenous resistance against colonialism to genocidal colonial and imperial violence. Khan's charges notably omit accusations of genocide, kidnapping, sexual abuse, and torture against Netanyahu and Gallant, despite evidence, and fail to address Israel's long-standing crimes in the West Bank and Gaza. The ICC's move is seen as a minimal effort to maintain credibility while appeasing political pressures. Hamas leaders expected such charges and have expressed willingness to participate in a fair trial, unlike leaders in Israel. The arrest warrants, once issued, will significantly impact Netanyahu and Gallant, who risk arrest if they travel to many countries, especially in Europe. This development deepens Israel's pariah status and complicates its international relations. The U.S., not an ICC member, will likely continue supporting Israel but faces increased political costs. The process of issuing the warrants could take up to two months. The short scope of this email update can’t fully unpack all the implications of the ICC announcement, but any reading of this action should be understood in the longer history context of international legal instruments such as the ICC as being key tools of imperialism and colonialism. Don’t confuse the rule of law with those who rule by law.
Gaza update
Casualties and Displacement
As of May 20, 2024, the US-Israeli orchestrated genocide has taken the lives of some 35,562 Palestinians and injured another 79,652. The number of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Gaza has reached 1.7 million, representing 75% of the population. These are only the people that have reached the hospital to be counted, and doesn't include the thousands buried under rubble or executed and dumped into mass graves by the Israeli military.
Famine
Cindy McCain, head of the UN World Food Programme, has declared a "full-blown famine" in northern Gaza, which is spreading south. In an NBC News interview, she emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access. Despite international pressure, Israel continues to restrict aid into Gaza, exacerbating the crisis — as the government has helped to organize private militias to ambush international aid. The UN warns that over 70% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents face catastrophic hunger.
Health
The healthcare system in Gaza is severely strained. As of May 17, of the 36 hospitals, 21 are out of service, while 15 are only partially functional. There are eight functional field hospitals. Over 760,000 cases of acute respiratory infections and more than 410,000 cases of acute watery diarrhea have been reported. Only 25% (6 out of 24) of UNRWA health centers remain operational.
Water and Sanitation
The water and sanitation infrastructure in Gaza is critically impaired. Three main water pipelines from Israel are only partially operational, providing about 1,650 cubic meters per hour. Approximately 83% of groundwater wells are not functioning, and two out of three main water desalination plants are only partially operational. Around 57% of assessed WASH (water, sanitation, and hygiene) facilities have been damaged or destroyed, and there are 270,000 tons of accumulated solid waste.
Protection and Aid Workers
Israeli bombings and sniper attacks have killed hundreds of aid workers so far, with the murders of at least 262 having been reported, including 193 UN staff members. This includes 27 Palestinian Red Crescent Society staff and volunteers and 42 other aid workers, along with another 493 healthcare workers, including at least 15 aid workers.
Shelter
Internally Displaced People (IDP) shelters are overcrowded, with an average of one square meter of space per person. Around 41% of these shelters lack sufficient ventilation, and 57% are affected by rain and water infiltration.
Infrastructure and Access
The infrastructure damage in Gaza is extensive. Israel’s bombing has destroyed over 60% of residential buildings and 80% of commercial facilities. Additionally, at least 3 churches and 247 mosques have been destroyed, along with 155 health facilities and 171 UNRWA installations. Israel intentionally restricts access to Gaza, which, by design, creates logistical challenges for the passage of humanitarian aid and critical supplies.
Education
Israel’s campaign of ethnic cleansing has devastated the education sector. Over 625,000 students lack access to education due to the destruction of school buildings. More than 6,500 students and 301 educational staff have been killed. Approximately 73% (408 out of 563) of school buildings have been directly hit or damaged, with 29% being UNRWA schools.
Between April and May 2024, Israeli forces and settler militias imposed intense and ongoing raids across the West Bank, marked by daily violence and military activity. Arrests and invasions were frequent, with up to 32 arrests and 61 invasions reported in a single day as indigenous Palestinian communities. Settler attacks were also a constant threat, peaking at 13 incidents on April 28. The region saw continuous Israeli military presence with numerous checkpoints and closures, severely restricting movement. Settler militias and Israeli forces alike engaged in widespread property damage, including home demolitions and confiscations, underscoring the relationship and coordination between the Israeli state and zionist militia groups.
This data is aggregated mostly from Palestinian resources, namely the Negotiations Affairs Department. It represents but a small cross-section of the violence intentionally enacted by Israel's program of indigenous erasure. It doesn't account for every sexual harassment or assault at Israel's checkpoints, the looting that happens during raids, or every psychological threat the Israeli state carries out, whether that be direct phone calls to individuals and their families or Israeli MKs cheering on genocide on live tv, radio, and print. This curated data in the graphs represents Israeli colonial violence reported from 04.20.2024 to 05.19.2024. The 5-day average is compiled from 05.12.2024 to 05.19.2024 and the 10-day average calculated from 05.07.2024 to 05.19.2024. The percentage of +/- of the 5-day average is calculated from the difference in the 5-day and 10-day averages. As we move forward, we'd like to hear if this data was helpful, how you might use it, and what other information you'd find useful for your work in support of Palestinian liberation.