11 October 2024
The war in Gaza has been going on for a year with catastrophic loss of human lives and devastating destruction. Now it has extended into Lebanon and dragged in other actors in the region, e.g. Yemen and Iran. These dangerous developments in the Middle East make the situation very volatile and can easily spiral into a regional war with devastating consequences for the region and beyond. The civilian populations have already suffered tens of thousands of casualities, mainly Palestinians but also others, and the displacement of over three million people.
We in the Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs are alarmed by these developments and appeal to all parties involved in the ongoing conflict to abstain from targeting nuclear installations and energy infrastructure in view of the devastating consequences that this could unleash—not only on the regions involved but the world at large. The protection of such facilities from attack is not only a legal obligation but a moral imperative.
In line with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), which seeks to limit the effects of armed conflict, we recall the grave responsibility all states bear to protect civilian lives and the environment. Article 56 of Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions specifically prohibits attacks on nuclear installations, recognizing that such actions pose an indiscriminate threat to civilian populations. The deliberate targeting of nuclear and energy facilities would also contravene the Environmental Protection Provisions under IHL, which demand that parties to a conflict avoid actions that cause widespread, long-term, and severe damage to the environment which will have long-lasting impacts on future generations. We strongly urge the parties to respect these essential principles of International Humanitarian Law.
We also call on all parties to the conflict to immediately agree on a ceasefire on all the fronts and an end to all hostilities. This should be accompanied with the release of Israeli hostages (alive and bodies of the dead) and of Palestinian prisoners. This should be followed by admittance of humanitarian assistance to the affected population in the war zones, as well as the return of all those who have been displaced to their homes. An international effort is also required to help rebuilding the damaged infrastructure, particularly medical and educational facilities in the affected areas.
These measures would pave the way for Israel and the Palestinians to negotiate a two-state solution that will respect their national aspirations and guarantee a lasting peace and security for all.
Let us work together to protect our shared future, ensuring that even in times of war, we uphold the values of humanity, responsibility, and foresight.
Hussain Al-Shahristani, President
Paolo Cotta-Ramusino, Secretary-General
Karen Hallberg, Secretary-General-elect
Pugwash Conferences on Science and World Affairs 