A recent episode on the West Bank when hundreds of Palestinian men were detained by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has highlighted the IDF’s tactic of “collective punishment”. This is defined as “a form of sanction imposed on persons or a group of persons in response to a crime committed by one of them or a member of the group”. Is it illegal under international humanitarian law.
Acting in response to the detonation of “an explosive device”, which hit a military vehicle and injured two soldiers, IDF troops are reported to have arrested about 1,500 men in the city of Tulkarem in the northern West Bank. Troops imposed a curfew and sealed off entrances to the city.
A Telegram message posted by the IDF reported that “soldiers are encircling the city, conducting roadblocks and inspections in the area”. Footage shared by residents showed soldiers marching Palestinians in lines through the streets.
