The COVID-19 Crisis and the Violation of Humanitarian Law in the Occupied [Palestinian] Territories; with Emphasis on the Rule of Respect for International Humanitarian Law

Common Article 1 of the 1949 Geneva Conventions and the First Additional Protocol, open a new chapter on the concept and nature of states obligations to respect and ensure respect for humanitarian law in the occupied territories and impose binding obligations on occupying states. The present research, aims to answer the following question: the responsibility of the Israeli occupying forces to fight and prevent the spread of COVID-19 in the occupied Palestinian territories are organized and justified on what legal and intellectual foundations? Using a descriptive-analytical method, the paper provides a legal analysis of the existing facts. It is believed that despite the commitments of the occupying Israeli forces to ensure respect for international humanitarian law under Common Article 1 of the Geneva Conventions in terms of preventing and fighting COVID-19 as a vital example of the right to health and the protection of public health of the inhabitants of the occupied Palestinian territories, ensuring the actual implementation of these fundamental human rights faces serious challenges.