Gilles Devers: A Champion of Palestinian Rights and International Justice
Renowned French international lawyer Gilles Devers has passed away, leaving behind a legacy of tireless advocacy for Palestinian rights and a profound impact on international law. Throughout his distinguished career, Devers dedicated himself to defending the Palestinian cause, representing it before global courts and tirelessly pursuing justice for victims of war crimes.
An undated image of French Lawyer Gilles Devers (X)
As the founder of the International Lawyers' Committee, Devers established a network of 800 legal experts committed to holding perpetrators of war crimes accountable. The committee’s efforts culminated in landmark legal actions, including the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) recent issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. These warrants reflect allegations of using starvation as a weapon and deliberately depriving Gaza’s civilian population of essential resources during the prolonged blockade.
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Devers was also instrumental in facilitating a complaint by Palestinian lawmakers to the ICC, accusing "Israel" of grave violations, including its 17-year siege of Gaza. His work in amplifying the Palestinian narrative and exposing human rights violations resonated deeply within the global legal community.
Tributes have poured in from around the world, celebrating Devers as both a brilliant legal mind and a compassionate advocate for justice. His unwavering commitment to human rights continues to inspire a new generation of legal professionals and activists dedicated to defending the oppressed.
Gilles Devers’ legacy as a defender of justice stands as a testament to the enduring fight for accountability and human dignity in the face of oppression.