This unprecedented action is carried out by the French Jewish Union for Peace (UJFP) and by “a Franco-Palestinian victim”, who prefers to remain anonymous, as he still has relatives in the Palestinian enclave. The approach, supported by French law, is supported by the organization Urgence Palestine.
The lawyers Me Damia Taharraoui and Me Marion Lafouge have filed a complaint with the constitution of a civil party, which allows the case to be referred to an investigating judge so that he can open a judicial investigation and avoid dismissal by the public prosecution. The 70-page text is aimed at the French and Franco-Israeli citizens who participated “concrete actions to block humanitarian aid in the occupied territory of Gaza, in particular by physically preventing the passage of trucks at border posts controlled by the Israeli army”UJFP and Urgence Palestine explain in their joint press release.
Two associations in the crosshairs
“It is a scandal that a few dozen French or Franco-Israeli citizens allow themselves to block humanitarian aid trucks, as we saw in February. This contributes to the famine of the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip and characterizes complicity in the genocide.”explains Sonia Feyman, spokesperson for the UJFP, a secular and anti-Zionist organisation.
Two structures are particularly singled out by this complaint: Tzav-9 and Israel is Forever. Tsav 9 is a group founded in January by civil activists close to the Israeli far right, against which the US State Department announced sanctions in June. Washington later described it as an entity “violent extremist blocking, harassing and damaging convoys carrying vital humanitarian aid to Palestinian civilians in Gaza”.
The Israel is Forever association was founded by radical Zionist activist Jacques Kupfer. His daughter, Nili Kupfer-Naouri, who became president of the organization, participated in at least one action to block humanitarian aid in February at the Rafah border post. He publicized it in a YouTube video.
This lawyer, also a Likud delegate to the Zionist institutions, supports this “the mass emigration of Arabs from Gaza” and the “Jewish Resettlement” on site. In recent weeks he has also made headlines by inviting extremist Israeli minister Bezalel Smotrich to his gala.
“This woman makes statements like those of Yoav Gallant, the former defence minister, who considers the inhabitants of Gaza like animals. It is this whole ideology that we believe is important to highlight and condemn.”says Sonia Feyman.
A second complaint with civil action was presented on Wednesday 28 November by the association Lawyers for Justice in the Middle East and the Coordination of Appeals for a Just Peace in the Middle East (CAPJPO) – Europalestine, for “complicity in genocide”. “, also accusing Israeli and Forever officials of blocking humanitarian vehicles.
“France is an ally of Israel”
These two acts coincide with the declarations of the Quai d’Orsay which refer to the immunity from which Benyamin Netanyahu would benefit, who has been targeted since 21 November by an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court (ICC) for war crimes and crimes against humanity. “This makes the complaint filed today more important than ever”judge someone close to the case.
“Although it may be a combination of circumstances, since we have been working on this complaint for months, we are reacting very critically, explains Sonia Feyman. On the one hand there are the speeches of the Minister of Foreign Affairs and the President of the Republic to affirm that France fully respects the ICC. And on the other hand they look in the law for the possibility of saying that Israel is not in this jurisdiction and that it is possible to invite Netanyahu despite everything (without him being arrested, ed.). It is completely hypocritical and reveals very clearly what we already know, namely that France is an ally of Israel. »
How does the legal framework in France support NGOs like UJFP in holding groups accountable for blockades on humanitarian aid?
Interview between the Editor of Time.news and Sonia Feyman, Spokesperson for the Jewish Union for Peace (UJFP)
Time.news Editor: Welcome, Sonia Feyman. We appreciate you taking the time to speak with us today. Your organization, the UJFP, has recently taken a groundbreaking legal action concerning humanitarian aid blockades in Gaza. Can you explain what prompted this move?
Sonia Feyman: Thank you for having me. The situation in Gaza has reached a crisis point, exacerbated by the deliberate blocking of humanitarian aid by certain groups. We felt compelled to take this action not just to highlight these actions, but to hold accountable those who are contributing to the suffering of innocent civilians. It’s an ethical obligation for us as a society.
Editor: In your formal complaint, you’ve specifically named groups like Tzav-9 and Israel is Forever. What can you tell us about these organizations and their actions?
Feyman: Tzav-9 was founded by far-right activists in Israel and has gained notoriety for their aggressive tactics to halt humanitarian aid. The US State Department has even sanctioned them, labeling their operations as violent extremism. Israel is Forever, led by Jacques Kupfer, has engaged in similar actions, including physical blockades at border crossings. Their leaders openly advocate for extreme measures in dealing with Palestinian populations, which only deepens the humanitarian crisis.
Editor: It’s a bold step to initiate legal proceedings in this context. What legal grounds do you have for this complaint, and how does French law support your case?
Feyman: Our legal action is based on the constitution of a civil party, which enables us to push for a judicial investigation. This helps circumvent scenarios where the public prosecution might dismiss the case. French law allows citizens and organizations to hold accountable those who commit acts that contribute to serious human rights violations. The 70-page complaint lays out evidence of complicity in what can be construed as genocide through obstructing crucial humanitarian efforts.
Editor: You mentioned that some individuals remain anonymous due to their ties to the Palestinian enclave. Can you elaborate on the significance of this anonymity in the legal approach?
Feyman: Absolutely. Our anonymous Franco-Palestinian victim represents many who are too afraid to speak out publicly but are deeply affected by these actions. Their anonymity not only protects them and their family but also underscores the dire situation many face in Gaza. This action is as much about giving a voice to the voiceless as it is about legal accountability.
Editor: The statements made by leaders of the named organizations are quite inflammatory. How does UJFP address the rhetoric that dehumanizes Palestinian inhabitants?
Feyman: It is incredibly disturbing. Dehumanizing rhetoric, like that of former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, contributes to a dangerous ideology that justifies violence and oppression. We reject this narrative and work to promote a message of peace and coexistence. Our goal is to challenge such harmful ideologies and advocate for the rights and dignity of all people.
Editor: With the growing focus on human rights in international discourse, what do you anticipate the repercussions of this legal action might be?
Feyman: We hope it will create a ripple effect, enhancing awareness and prompting further action among activists and legal entities worldwide. Our goal is to shed light on the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and hold accountable those who perpetuate these blockades. It’s an uphill battle, but with enough support, we believe we can contribute to meaningful change.
Editor: Thank you, Sonia, for sharing your insights with us today. Your efforts are undeniably significant in the ongoing discussion surrounding the humanitarian situation in Gaza.
Feyman: Thank you for spotlighting this crucial issue. It’s a collective struggle, and every voice matters.