The public opinion in Europe with regard to the war in Gaza has been shifting. We see a growing acceptance of the importance of enforcing international law obligations and accountability vis-a-vis the Israeli government. One of the reasons for this shift has been the growing number and severity of international law violations in Gaza. The world has witnessed systematic destruction of medical and civilian infrastructure, starvation, and the killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians. This roundtable focuses on a second reason for the shift: legal and political mobilization of European citizens. Students organized protests at universities, people striked, protested, organized vigils and flotillas. Civil society brought lawsuits before international and domestic courts. Some European countries have recognized the state of Palestine in the international arena.

This roundtable brings together lawyers, academics and advocates to debate the connection between the legal efforts to enforce international law obligations and the shifting political debates in Europe. Speakers will draw on their experiences with litigation and advocacy to reflect on broader questions.  What legal and moral responsibilities arise under EU and international law? How can European institutions, states, and corporations be held to account? And what does meaningful solidarity look like in this moment?