Fact Check: Israel violated international rights over attacking Iran and people on Gaza in name of fight against terrorism

Fact Check: Israel Violated International Rights Over Attacking Iran and People on Gaza in Name of Fight Against Terrorism

What We Know

The claim that Israel violated international rights through its military actions against Iran and in Gaza is rooted in ongoing geopolitical tensions and military conflicts. In June 2025, Israel launched a series of military operations against Iran, which included attacks on nuclear facilities and military infrastructure. UN experts condemned these actions, stating they represented a "flagrant violation of fundamental principles of international law" and characterized them as acts of aggression (UN Experts Condemn Israeli Attack).

In the context of Gaza, Israel's military operations have been framed as efforts to combat terrorism, particularly in response to attacks from Hamas. Critics argue that these operations often result in significant civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure, raising concerns about compliance with international humanitarian law (Israel Blasts EU Report).

The situation is further complicated by the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where both sides have been accused of human rights violations over the decades. Reports indicate that Israel has established settlements in the West Bank, which are considered illegal under international law, and has been involved in military actions that disproportionately affect civilians in Gaza (Israel – Wikipedia).

Analysis

The evidence surrounding the claim is multifaceted and involves various perspectives. The UN's condemnation of Israel's military actions against Iran highlights a significant viewpoint that sees these actions as violations of international law. However, Israel argues that its military operations are necessary for national security and self-defense against terrorism, particularly from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah (US and Israel's Illegal War Against Iran).

The reliability of sources varies; UN reports are generally considered credible due to their basis in international law and oversight by member states. However, they can also be influenced by political contexts and biases. On the other hand, Israeli government statements often emphasize security concerns and may downplay or contest allegations of human rights violations, which can lead to skepticism about their objectivity (Israel – The World Factbook).

Moreover, the historical context of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict complicates the narrative, as both sides have committed acts that could be classified as violations of human rights. This ongoing cycle of violence and retaliation makes it challenging to assess the legality and morality of actions taken by either side without considering the broader historical and political landscape.

Conclusion

Needs Research: The claim that Israel violated international rights through its military actions against Iran and in Gaza is supported by credible reports from international bodies like the UN. However, the context of these actions, including Israel's justification of self-defense against terrorism, complicates the assessment. Further research is needed to fully understand the implications of these military actions, the legal frameworks involved, and the perspectives of both supporters and critics of Israel's policies.

Fact Check: Israel violated international rights over attacking Iran and people on Gaza in name of fight against terrorism