Right to self-defense in international law does not apply to Israel – Hamas TV
Al-Aqsa TV (Hamas) broadcast a press conference of the Islamic Attorneys’ Association. This clip aired during Israel’s Operation Protective Edge in Gaza, which aimed at destroying Hamas' terror infrastructure and ability to launch rockets at Israel. Israel launched the operation in response to Hamas firing thousands of rockets at Israel.
Spokesman of the Islamic Attorneys’ Association: “The Zionist attacks struck civilian facilities and police and security bases, as well as media institutions and institutions for handicapped people… We emphasize that the Israeli claim that they are protecting their state and innocent civilians according to international law is false, as the right to self-defense does not apply to the occupation state – according to Article 51 of the UN Charter, [which states that] this right belongs exclusively to states and liberation movements, and not to the occupation state.”
Note: Article 51 of the UN Charter states that "Nothing... shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security."
Spokesman of the Islamic Attorneys’ Association: “The Zionist attacks struck civilian facilities and police and security bases, as well as media institutions and institutions for handicapped people… We emphasize that the Israeli claim that they are protecting their state and innocent civilians according to international law is false, as the right to self-defense does not apply to the occupation state – according to Article 51 of the UN Charter, [which states that] this right belongs exclusively to states and liberation movements, and not to the occupation state.”
Note: Article 51 of the UN Charter states that "Nothing... shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations, until the Security Council has taken measures necessary to maintain international peace and security."