Title: Retired Judges Worldwide Appeal for Immediate Release of Israeli Abductees, Condemn Hamas War Crimes
Dozens of retired judges from courts around the world have joined an appeal to the International Organization of Judges, condemning the actions of Hamas as war crimes and demanding the immediate release of Israeli abductees. The appeal, initiated by retired Supreme Court Judge of Canada, Rossi Abella, calls for a unified stance against the actions of Hamas.
In the document sent to the Center for Human Rights in Canada and Lenberg, the retired judges expressed their condemnation of Hamas’ actions against innocent civilians. They called for the full release of all Israeli abductees without preconditions, stressing that the crimes committed by Hamas are in violation of international law and humanitarian principles.
The International Organization of Judges responded to the appeal, publicly condemning violence against innocent civilians. The organization stressed the gravity of the actions committed by Hamas, particularly against children, women, and adults, and reaffirmed its commitment to upholding international law and humanitarian principles.
Additionally, 183 retired Israeli judges have demanded the International Organization of Judges to take an unequivocal position on defining the nature of the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israel as war crimes. The appeal included the signatures of former presidents of the Supreme Court and Arab judges, marking a diverse and unified front against the actions of Hamas.
Surprisingly, former President of the Supreme Court Judge Aharon Barak, along with Judge Richard Goldstone, who previously drafted a negative opinion for the United Nations, are among the signatories of the appeal. Barak also addressed the President of the Red Cross, emphasizing the urgency of immediate action regarding the Israeli abductees.
In a meeting with the families of the abductees, Judge Aharon Barak expressed a personal connection to the events carried out by Hamas, recalling the traumatic experiences he faced as a child in the Kovna ghetto in 1944. He sent a letter to the president of the Red Cross, urging swift action and medical attention for the abductees.
The appeal of retired judges serves as a significant international initiative in demanding justice for the Israeli abductees and condemning the war crimes committed by Hamas. As the appeal gathers support from judges worldwide, the call for immediate action on this matter grows stronger.