SARAJEVO, May 29 (Xinhua) -- The Gaza Tribunal, an independent civil society initiative, concluded its four-day public assembly on Thursday at the International University of Sarajevo, issuing a declaration strongly condemning Israel's military operation in Gaza.
Starting on Monday, the tribunal brought together legal scholars, human rights advocates, and civil society representatives from around the world. Their discussions focused on historical and legal analyses of genocide, the displacement of Palestinians, and structural violence under Israeli policies.
The Sarajevo Declaration issued at the conclusion of the assembly condemned what it called "decades-long settler colonialism, apartheid, and systemic persecution by the Israeli regime," and called for an immediate cessation of military operations and the lifting of blockades.
Labeling Israeli operation in Gaza "continuing genocide," the declaration rejected Zionism as a state ideology and urged the adoption of a new framework based on equal rights for all peoples.
The Gaza Tribunal, launched in London in November 2024, consists of a Steering Committee, three Chambers, a Jury of Conscience, and several advisory bodies. Its final moral judgment is scheduled to be delivered by the Jury of Conscience in October 2025 in Istanbul, Türkiye.
Organizers emphasized the importance of accountability and pledged continued global civil society cooperation in pursuit of justice for Palestine.
The death toll in Gaza from the Israeli attacks has topped 54,000 since the start of the offensive in October 2023, according to the latest figure from Gaza's health authorities. Israel estimated that 58 hostages remain in Gaza, including 20 believed to be alive. They were abducted during the Hamas-led attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the ongoing Israeli offensive. ■