Give a signature for Gaza, let hope have no limits

CALL FOR JUSTICE FOR GAZA

JOINT DECLARATION OF INTERNATIONAL LAWYERS AND BAR ASSOCIATIONS

Introduction

We, the undersigned lawyers, bar associations, civil society organizations, and advocates of justice, peace, human rights, and freedom, declare that we will not remain silent against the genocide in Gaza, which has inflicted deep wounds on the conscience of humanity.

The people of Gaza have long been subjected to occupation, blockade, forced displacement, bombardment, inhumane treatment, and genocide. Especially since October 7, 2023, the situation represents not only a threat to the existence of a people but also a severe violation of international law, human rights, and universal values of justice.

We emphasize our determination to prevent impunity for the perpetrators of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes persistently carried out in Gaza and the occupied territories and to stop these crimes.

It is indisputable that fundamental human rights are indispensable for all people worldwide; human dignity, freedom, justice, and world peace are foundational. No state may use force or threats against another state's territorial integrity or independence, nor intervene unlawfully. No people may be deprived of their right to self-determination.

With this principle and determination, we present this joint declaration to the collective conscience of humanity.

Events in Gaza

As a result of genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes, and offenses committed by the occupying Israeli administration for nearly a century and intensifying since October 7, 2023, it is known that on October 7, 2025 (the second year of the genocide), 67,173 people, including many women and children, were martyred, 169,679 were injured, thousands were disabled, and thousands were trapped under rubble. (These figures reflect only officially recorded numbers.)

Deaths from starvation are increasing due to the blockade, and hunger is being used as a weapon of war. Denial of access to basic needs, healthcare, water, food, and energy constitutes a clear violation of international law.

We Declare That;

1. Ending the genocide and blockade in Gaza immediately is the most urgent and primary humanitarian responsibility.
2. Gaza is an inseparable part of the homeland of the Palestinian people. Gaza must be returned unconditionally to its rightful owners.
3. The Palestinian people's right to live in independence, freedom, and peace is an indisputable requirement of fundamental legal values and international law.
4. A "Security Agreement" explicitly recognizing Palestine's legitimate defense and right to self-determination must be signed by all states supporting Palestine.
5. The United Nations Security Council must adopt and implement a resolution imposing sanctions and compensation obligations on Israel due to the genocide and massacres.
6. All arms shipments to Israel must be halted, and an international arms embargo must be enforced, including by the U.S., U.K., and other cooperating governments assisting Israel.
7. Under the 1949 Geneva Conventions, humanitarian corridors must be urgently opened for vulnerable wounded, elderly, sick, children, and women to evacuate conflict zones safely, and all military activities in these areas must be completely prohibited.
8. Vital health, clean water, food, energy sources, medicine, and medical services must reach civilians.
9. As Israel violates international law and UN resolutions, a new international system based on the rule of law must be established.
10. All states must promptly recognize Palestine as a state; the UN and international organizations must make decisions accordingly.
11. For the reconstruction of destroyed cities, the international community must establish a budget for the rehabilitation of Palestine.
12. Israel must compensate for all material and moral damages inflicted on the Palestinian people through confiscation of property.
13. The displacement of the Palestinian people constitutes a grave blow to human conscience. Palestinians must be guaranteed safe return to their lands. All prisoners in Israeli jails must be released unconditionally.
14. We demand the prosecution and punishment of perpetrators of genocide and war crimes committed by Israel and its collaborator states.
15. All international actors must take action to establish justice and ensure enforcement of decisions against Israel.
16. Peaceful initiatives such as the Global Sumud Fleet and the Freedom Fleet must be supported and placed under UN protection.
17. The Gaza Plan of October 14, 2025, is a temporary measure; lasting peace is only possible with the full independence of the Palestinian people. We will persistently follow this cause until a fully independent and free Palestinian state is established from the river to the sea.

Our Call

Standing against the humanitarian tragedy and oppression in Gaza today is not only the cause of the Palestinian people but the common cause of all humanity. Where justice is silenced, no society's freedom is secure.

As lawyers, bar associations, and defenders of justice, we raise this call to uphold human dignity, the rule of law, and the right to live in peace.

We invite all individuals, institutions, and organizations siding with justice and freedom to sign this declaration.

Every signature today supports the freedom of the people of Gaza, the establishment of justice, the end of genocide, and a future filled with peace.

By signing this text, we declare that we oppose the genocide and crimes against humanity in Gaza, support the legitimate struggle of the Palestinian people, and affirm the necessity of establishing justice worldwide.

Annex 1. International Documents and Conventions Violated by the Occupying and Genocidal Israel

Annex 1. Legal Basis

Israel, systematically continuing its genocide and occupation policies, has committed the following actions in violation of human rights and international law. It is an undisputed fact that these crimes continue to be committed.

A) United Nations Charter (1945)

• Violated Principles:
  • Article 1(2): Equal rights of peoples and their right to self-determination.
  • Article 55: Promotion of human rights for international peace, economic and social progress.

B) Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)

• Article 3: Right to life, liberty, and personal security.
• Article 9: Prohibition of arbitrary arrest, exile, or displacement.
• Article 13(2): Right to return to one’s own country.
• Article 17(2): No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of their property.

C) Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948)

• Article 2(1):
  • Killing members of the group
  • Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group
  • Deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to destroy the group in whole or in part
  • Taking measures to prevent births within the group

D) Fourth Geneva Convention (Protection of Civilians in Time of War) (1949)

• Article 24: Protection, care, religious practice, and education of children under 15.
• Article 33: No protected person may be punished for a crime they did not commit; collective punishments are prohibited.
• Article 49: Prohibition of forced mass or individual transfer and deportation; occupying power cannot transfer its population.
• Article 53: Destruction of private or public property in occupied territories is prohibited.
• Article 55: Occupying power must ensure food and medical needs of the population.
• Article 56: Occupying power must maintain medical and hospital services and protect public health.
• Article 59: Relief programs must be provided if the occupied population is inadequately nourished.
• Article 147: Grave breaches include willful killing, torture, forced transfer, deportation, and property destruction.

E) Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees (1951)

• Article 33: No refugee shall be forcibly returned to a place where their life or freedom would be at risk.

F) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)

• Article 12(4): No one shall be arbitrarily deprived of the right to enter their own country.
• Article 17: Right to privacy, family, home, and communications.

G) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966)

• Article 11: Right to an adequate standard of living, sufficient food, clothing, and housing.
• Article 15: Right to participate in cultural life.

H) UN General Assembly Resolution 3236 (XXIX) (1974)

• Right to self-determination
• Right to independence and sovereignty
• Right to return to homes and property

I) UN General Assembly Resolution 194 (III) (1948)

• Guarantees the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homes and receive compensation.

J) UN Security Council Resolution 237 (1967)

• Decision to ensure humane treatment of people in occupied territories and allow those wishing to return home.

K) Rome Statute (1998)

• Article 6(1)(a–c): Crimes of genocide
• Article 7(1)(a–k): Crimes against humanity
• Article 8(2)(b)(i–xii): War crimes

L) International Convention on the Suppression and Punishment of the Crime of Apartheid (1973)

• Article II(c): Forced removal of communities based on race constitutes the crime of apartheid.

M) International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (1969)

• Article 5: States parties undertake to prohibit, eliminate, and guarantee equal rights against all forms of racial discrimination.

N) Protocol I to the 1949 Geneva Conventions (1977)

• Article 54: It is prohibited to starve civilians; attacks on indispensable goods for survival are forbidden.

O) Protocol II to the 1949 Geneva Conventions (1977)

• Article 14: It is prohibited to starve civilians; closing border crossings and preventing access to food is forbidden.