The Effectiveness of International Law in Limiting Humanitarian Disasters in the Palestine-Israel Conflict

Authors

  • Yordan Gunawan Faculty of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  • Rian Ade Pangestu Faculty of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  • Lista Arofa Hardiyanti Faculty of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia
  • Manuel Beltrán Genovés Facultad de Derecho, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Madrid, Spain

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.53955/jhcls.v5i1.307

Keywords:

Humanitarian Disaster;, International Community;, International Law;

Abstract

The Israeli-Palestinian conflict involving several Arab and Western countries that has been going on for decades has caused a humanitarian disaster. The UN resolution to stop the conflict is also considered ineffective in resolving the conflict. Since the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, against Israel, the conflict has reached its peak and caused a humanitarian disaster that certainly violates the 1947 Geneva Convention. Then, questions arose in the International Community about whether this conflict could be resolved. This research is a normative legal research with a Juridical Approach and a Case Approach. This research also uses a literature review that aims to critically examine the effectiveness of international law on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict so that the public can know the mechanisms that can be used to resolve the conflict. The results of the study show that this conflict can be resolved in several ways, such as by ratifying the 1947 Geneva Convention, then confirming the role of the UN, and also confirming the jurisdiction of the ICC in resolving this conflict.

Author Biographies

Yordan Gunawan, Faculty of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta

Yordan Gunawan is a Senior Lecturer at the Faculty of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, where he previously served as the Director of the International Relations Office. He is also a member of the Indonesian Advocates Association (IKADIN). Yordan completed his secondary education at SMA Negeri 1 Martapura, OKU Timur, Sumatera Selatan.
Yordan holds a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Laws in Public International Law from the School of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta.

He also finished his MBA from the Institute of International Management, National Cheng Kung University, Taiwan, Republic of China. Throughout his academic journey, Yordan actively engaged in seminars and discussions and made contributions to local publications, providing insights into contemporary legal issues.

Yordan finished his Ph.D in International Law and International Relations at the Facultat de Dret, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Barcelona, Spain. He is a certified mediator recognized by the Supreme Court of the Republic of Indonesia. Yordan is also an alumnus of the National Resilience Institute “LEMHANNAS” of the Republic of Indonesia, 2023.

Yordan has an extensive publication record, with numerous articles published in various national and international journals. He has presented his research at a global level, participating in various international conferences, seminars, and activities held in countries such as Ireland, Turkiye, Taiwan, Thailand, Singapore, the United States of America, the Philippines, Azerbaijan, Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Belgium, France, Vietnam, Japan, Malaysia, South Korea and many more.

His primary research interests lie in Public International Law, International Dispute Settlement, the Law of International Organizations, and International Environmental Law. Yordan, a figure of remarkable academic and professional prowess, has also demonstrated exemplary leadership as the Chairman of the Association of International Offices of Muhammadiyah Higher Education Institutions (ASKUI PTMA). In this capacity, he oversees more than 90 International Offices in Indonesia, fostering collaboration and innovation within the educational landscape.

Moreover, his commitment to public service extends to his role as Chairman of the Special Branch of Muhammadiyah (Pimpinan Cabang Istimewa Muhammadiyah, PCIM) in Spain, where he continues to advocate for the values of community engagement and social responsibility.
Furthermore, Yordan's dedication to civic engagement is exemplified by his appointment as a member of the Overseas Election Committee (PPLN) in Madrid for the 2023-2024 Indonesian Presidential and Legislative Elections. This additional responsibility underscores his deep-seated commitment to democratic principles and the democratic process, reflecting his proactive involvement in shaping the future of his homeland even from afar.

Rian Ade Pangestu, Faculty of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta

Rian Ade Pangestu is a student of the International Program for Law and Sharia (IPOLS), Faculty of Law Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. He can be contacted at rian.ade.law21@mail.umy.ac.id

Lista Arofa Hardiyanti, Faculty of Law, Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta

Lista Arofa Hardiyanti is a student of the International Program for Law and Sharia (IPOLS), Faculty of Law Universitas Muhammadiyah Yogyakarta. She can be contacted at lista.arofa.law23@mail.umy.ac.id

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2025-03-27

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