Abstract:
The Israeli-Palestinian conflict is an ongoing and protracted conflict that significantly impacts peace and security in global politics. The Responsibility to Protect (R2P) framework, adopted in 2005, is recognized as a crucial tool for preventing and addressing serious crimes that undermine global trust and security, including war crimes, crimes against humanity, ethnic cleansing, and genocide. R2P outlines the responsibilities of individual states, international organizations, and the international community as a whole to protect people threatened by these crimes through three main pillars. In this context, this research article assesses the application of R2P in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with a particular focus on the responsibilities of Israel and the international community in protecting Palestinians from international crimes in the occupied territories. The study reveals that the parties involved in the conflict, particularly the Israeli government forces and Palestinian militias, are committing widespread violations of human rights and humanitarian law, which constitute international crimes and are flagrant violations of international norms. Therefore, the Israeli-Palestinian situation warrants the full application of R2P to protect these populations and maintain international peace and security. While Israel theoretically bears primary responsibility for preventing and responding to mass atrocities in the Occupied Palestinian Territories, the international community also has a duty to intervene when Israel fails to fulfill its responsibilities or is directly involved in the violations. However, the practical application of R2P in this context faces numerous limitations and challenges, including security concerns, legal ambiguities, power dynamics, geopolitical interests, and diplomatic crises. According to R2P, both Israel and the international community have obligations to fulfill their responsibilities, yet impunity continues to cause suffering for the victims. Despite these challenges, R2P remains a consistent presence on international agendas. Therefore, continued international efforts are essential to bridge the gap between theory and practice, ensuring that the rights and dignity of both Israelis and Palestinians are protected.