Why has Australia placed so few sanctions on Israel? Why are we still exporting fighter jet parts to a state that, over the past two years, has systematically attacked civilians in Palestine and deliberately denied them humanitarian relief? Can sanctions be an effective means of changing Israel’s behaviour?
In this episode, LLB students Joshua Mortensen and Sphe Shembe speak with Professor Ben Saul about the use of sanctions as a tool of international justice in the context of Israel’s assault on Gaza. While sanctions are often presented as a non-violent alternative to military force, do they truly restrain unlawful conduct and protect civilians — or are they undermined by political double standards and unintended humanitarian costs? Together, we explore whether sanctions can still serve as an effective instrument of social justice, the challenges facing international institutions such as the UN and the ICC, and what reforms might be needed not only to ensure Israel’s accountability for its flagrant disrespect for international law, but to protect civilians in Palestine and prevent further violations of their fundamental human rights.
Professor Ben Saul is the Challis Chair of International Law at Sydney Law School and the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of human rights while countering terrorism. He has advised governments, the United Nations, and NGOs around the world on international law and human rights, and has written extensively on terrorism, humanitarian law, and global justice.
Further Reading:
Saul, Ben. “Why Sanctions Are More Urgent Than Ever for Israel.” The Conversation (2024). Available at: https://theconversation.com/why-sanctions-are-more-urgent-than-ever-for-israel-226986.
UN Human Rights Office of the High Commissioner, “UN experts urge immediate arms embargo on Israel and accountability for violations in Gaza” (23 Feb 2024). Available at: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-releases/2024/02/un-experts-urge-immediate-arms-embargo-israel-and-accountability-violation.
