Pillage of Natural Resources in Cases of Military Occupation: Israeli Colonial Occupation Case Study رسالة ماجستير

Abstract

This study delved into the critical issue of the responsibility of occupying forces in the exploitation of natural resources within occupied territories, with a particular focus on the Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories. The research identified a significant problem, the difficulty of determining the extent to which the Israeli Occupying State bears international legal responsibility for plundering the occupied Palestinian territory's natural resources under international law. This is due to several reasons, including the vagueness of some of the legal texts on the protection of the natural resources of the occupied territories and the existence of gaps and contradictions in others. In addition, there are some difficulties in the process of establishing international responsibility itself. This allows the occupying forces to pillage and exploit resources in a way that prioritizes their interests over the rights and well-being of the local population. The study carefully examined how the Israeli authorities have strategically manipulated these legal gaps, using them as a pretext to justify their pillage, exploitation and attrition of the natural resources in the occupied Palestinian Territories. Furthermore, the study highlighted the broader implications of this exploitation, not just as a legal issue but also as a humanitarian one, this attrition has had severe consequences, depriving the Palestinian people of their inherent right to sovereignty over their natural resources. As a result, economic, social and environmental conditions have deteriorated, undermining prospects for sustainable development in the occupied Palestinian territories. VI In conclusion, the study underscored the imperative need to address these legal challenges within the framework of international law and called for a coordinated international effort to strengthen the legal safeguards for natural resources in conflict zones. Furthermore, the study emphasized the necessity of developing more robust international legal mechanisms to ensure greater protection for natural resources in occupied territories. This includes not only amending existing treaties but also establishing new frameworks that can effectively hold occupying forces accountable. Additionally, it is essential to guarantee the enforcement of the rights of the local population in the occupied territories, ensuring that their natural resources are exclusively allocated for their lawful benefit and preserved, rather than exploited by external forces