World Peace

THE 2026 HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF ISRAEL

As of today, what are Israel’s current human rights violations?

GoogleAI Mode: “As of January 2, 2026, international bodies and human rights organizations have documented extensive human rights violations by Israel, primarily stemming from its ongoing military operations and occupation of Palestinian territories. 

Recent and Ongoing Violations (2025–2026)

Genocide and Extermination: In September 2025, a UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. This includes killing members of the group and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about their physical destruction.

Ban on Humanitarian Aid Organizations: On January 1, 2026, Israel officially revoked the operational permits of 37 international aid groups, including Doctors Without Borders (MSF), CARE, and the International Rescue Committee. This move, which follows a 10-month deadline for new registration rules, is widely condemned for its potential to deepen the humanitarian crisis.

Systematic Starvation and Deprivation: Israel continues to be accused of using starvation as a method of warfare. Reports through late 2025 indicate that over 75% of Gaza’s population faces severe hunger due to the destruction of water, sanitation, and food systems.

Forced Displacement: Human Rights Watch and other organizations report that the massive, systematic forced displacement of over 90% of Gaza’s population (1.9 million people) constitutes a crime against humanity. This is often facilitated by the deliberate destruction of entire neighborhoods to create “buffer zones”. 

Systemic and Long-standing Violations

Apartheid: Major human rights groups such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch maintain that Israel’s governance over Palestinians constitutes the crime of apartheid, characterized by institutionalized discrimination and fragmentation of territory.

Torture and Detainee Abuse: Reports from late 2025 describe “organized and widespread” torture of Palestinian detainees, including severe physical violence and sexual assault. Tens of thousands have been held in arbitrary detention or enforced disappearance since late 2023.

Attacks on Civilians and Infrastructure:

Educational Sites: Over 90% of Gaza’s schools and universities have been damaged or destroyed by Israeli attacks, which the UN classifies as war crimes.

Journalists and Aid Workers: Hundreds of aid workers (including 387 UN personnel) and over 100 journalists have been killed by Israeli forces since October 2023.

Settler Violence and Occupation in the West Bank: In the West Bank, state-backed settler violence has surged, often resulting in the forcible transfer of Palestinian communities with impunity for the perpetrators. 

For detailed tracking of these reports, you can consult the United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) and Amnesty International.”

THE 2026 HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATIONS OF HAMAS

As of today, what are Hamas’ current human rights violations?

GoogleAI Mode: “As of January 2, 2026, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continue to be cited by international bodies and human rights organizations for ongoing violations of international humanitarian law and human rights. Despite a fragile ceasefire that began on October 10, 2025, several critical issues persist: 

Hostage-Taking and Unlawful Detention: Hamas continues to hold hostages abducted during the October 7, 2023, attacks. While many have been returned dead or alive, the remains of others are still held as of late December 2025. Amnesty International recently classified the treatment of these hostages as crimes against humanity, including “imprisonment or other severe deprivation of physical liberty”.

Abuse and Torture of Detainees: Reports from late 2025 indicate that hostages and Palestinian detainees in Gaza have endured severe beatings, sexual violence, and psychological abuse. This includes the deprivation of food, water, and medical treatment.

Extrajudicial and Politically Motivated Killings: Hamas security forces reportedly continue to carry out extrajudicial killings in Gaza. In late 2024 and throughout 2025, there were reports of the execution of hostages and local clan leaders suspected of cooperating with external aid efforts.

Indiscriminate Attacks and Ceasefire Violations: Despite the ceasefire, Hamas has been accused of continued violations, including the use of explosive devices against Israeli forces. They have also historically fired indiscriminate rockets from or near civilian areas in Gaza, endangering Palestinian civilians.

Suppression of Political Freedom and Media: Within the Gaza Strip, Hamas severely restricts freedom of expression and the press. Journalists and critics face arbitrary arrest, detention, physical assault, and harassment. Pro-Hamas propaganda is often the only permitted narrative.

Child Recruitment and Endangerment: Hamas and other groups have allegedly continued to recruit and use children in armed conflict. This includes military-style training at summer camps and the historical use of child labor for high-risk activities like tunnel construction.

Misuse of Humanitarian Aid: There are ongoing reports and allegations of Hamas confiscating or siphoning off humanitarian aid intended for the civilian population, sometimes by force.”

ISRAEL IN THE QUR’AN

Tell me about Israel in the Qur’an (Quran)

GoogleAI Mode: “In the Qur’an, “Israel” primarily refers to a person and his descendants rather than a modern geopolitical entity. 

1. Israel as a Prophet

In the Qur’an, Israel (Isrā’īl) is another name for the Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob). He is the son of Ishaq (Isaac) and the grandson of Ibrahim (Abraham). 

Meaning: Interpretations of the name include “servant of God” (Abdullah) or “one who is bound to God by covenant”.

Legacy: He had 12 sons who became the heads of the 12 tribes. His deathbed scene is recorded, where he urged his children to remain steadfast in worshipping the one God. 

2. The Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il)

This term refers to the descendants of Ya’qub (Jacob) and is mentioned over 40 times in the Qur’an. 

Favored Status: The Qur’an states that God once chose and honored the Children of Israel above all other nations of their time.

Covenant and Trials: Their history is extensively narrated, including their deliverance from Pharaoh by Musa (Moses), the receiving of the Torah, and their wandering in the desert.

Lessons: Their stories often serve as moral examples for Muslims, highlighting both their righteousness and their failures to uphold God’s laws (such as worshipping the golden calf). 

3. The Holy Land

The Qur’an mentions a “Holy Land” (al-Ard al-Muqaddasah) assigned to the Children of Israel. 

Biblical Connection: Verse 5:21 records Moses commanding his people to enter the “Holy Land which Allah has assigned to you”.

Conditional Possession: Many Islamic scholars interpret these promises as conditional upon faithfulness to the covenant with God.

Prophecies of Corruption: Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey) prophesies that the Children of Israel would cause corruption in the land twice, followed by divine punishment and the loss of their power. 

4. Relation to the Modern State

Mainstream Islamic scholarship distinguishes between the “Bani Israel” of the Qur’an and the modern State of Israel established in 1948. 

While the Qur’an acknowledges the Jewish people’s historical and religious connection to the land, it does not provide a theological mandate for the modern secular state’s political actions.

The word “Palestine” does not appear in the Qur’an; the region is referred to as “the land” (al-Ard) or “the land we blessed”.”

Tell me about Israel in the Qur’an (Quran) (exclude Hadith)

GoogleAI Mode: “In the Qur’an, the term “Israel” (Isrā’īl) refers exclusively to the Prophet Ya’qub (Jacob) and his lineage, known as the Bani Isra’il (Children of Israel). The text provides a historical and theological account of this group, their relationship with God, and their connection to the “Holy Land.” 

1. Israel as a Person (Prophet Ya’qub)

Identification: The Qur’an identifies “Israel” as a title for the Prophet Ya’qub.

Covenant: He is depicted as a devout man who honored his covenant with God and instructed his children to remain monotheists (Muslims in the literal sense of “submitters”).

Lineage: His descendants, the 12 tribes of Israel, are the focus of numerous Qur’anic narratives. 

2. The Children of Israel (Bani Isra’il)

The Children of Israel are mentioned extensively (over 40 times) as a people whom God favored with distinct honors. 

Divine Favors: The Qur’an states God favored them over all other people of their time, providing them with prophets, kings, and scriptures.

The Torah: They were given the Torah as a guide and a covenant.

Trials and Deliverance: The text narrates their deliverance from Pharaoh by Musa (Moses) and their subsequent wandering in the desert. 

3. The “Holy Land” and Inheritance

The Qur’an discusses a specific land assigned to the Children of Israel.

Divine Assignment: In Surah Al-Ma’idah (5:21), Moses tells his people: “O my people, enter the Holy Land which Allah has assigned to you”.

Inheritance: Following their escape from Egypt, God caused them to inherit the “eastern and western regions of the land” that He had blessed.

Conditional Nature: While the land was assigned to them, many verses emphasize that inheritance is ultimately for “the righteous servants” (21:105) and is tied to their obedience to the covenant. 

4. Prophecies in Surah Al-Isra

Surah Al-Isra (The Night Journey) contains specific prophecies regarding the Children of Israel: 

Two Instances of Corruption: Verse 17:4 prophesies that they would cause “corruption in the land twice” and reach a state of great arrogance.

Punishments: For each instance of corruption, God sent “servants of great might” to punish them and enter their place of worship (al-Masjid). Classical scholars generally link these to the historical destructions of the Temple in Jerusalem.

A Final Gathering: Verse 17:104 states that after the time of Pharaoh, they were told to dwell in the land, but at the “promise of the Hereafter,” God would bring them together in a “mingled crowd”. 

5. Absence of “Palestine”

The word “Palestine” is never mentioned in the Qur’an. The region is instead referred to as: 

Al-Ard al-Muqaddasah: The Holy Land.

Al-Ard al-Mubarakah: The Blessed Land.

Al-Masjid al-Aqsa: The “farthest place of prostration,” which is widely understood to refer to the Temple Mount area in Jerusalem.”

ISRAEL’S VIOLATIONS OF THE QUR’AN

Considering Israel’s human rights violations as of today, what does the Qur’an (Quran) (exclude Hadith) have to say about it?

GoogleAI Mode: “While the Qur’an does not mention the modern State of Israel, it contains universal principles and specific historical warnings that Islamic scholars apply to contemporary situations of conflict and human rights concerns.

1. Condemnation of Oppression (Zulm)

The Qur’an strongly condemns oppression and the violation of human rights, regardless of the perpetrator’s identity.

Accountability of Aggressors: Verse 42:42 explicitly states that “the way (of blame) is only against those who oppress the people and tyrannize upon the earth without right”.

Retribution for Injustice: The text warns that God is not “unaware of what the wrongdoers do” and only delays their punishment until a Day of Judgment (14:42).

Prohibition of Aggression: Even in conflict, the Qur’an commands: “Fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress. Indeed, Allah does not like transgressors” (2:190). 

2. Protection of the Weak and Innocent

Several verses highlight the duty of others to respond when the vulnerable are targeted.

Mandate to Help: Verse 4:75 asks, “What is the matter with you that you do not fight in the cause of Allah and for the oppressed among men, women, and children who say, ‘Our Lord, rescue us from this town whose people are oppressors?’”.

Sanctity of Life: The Qur’an famously declares that “if anyone killed a human life… it would be as if he had killed all of humankind” (5:32). 

3. Warnings to the “Children of Israel”

As of 2026, many emphasize the Qur’an’s specific warnings to the lineage of Israel regarding their conduct in the land.

Warnings of Corruption: Surah Al-Isra (17:4-8) prophesies that the Children of Israel would twice cause “corruption in the land” and reach a state of “great haughtiness,” leading to divine punishment.

Conditional Favor: While the Qur’an acknowledges a historical “assignment” of the Holy Land to the Children of Israel (5:21), it emphasizes that land inheritance is ultimately for the “righteous” (21:105) and is tied to upholding the covenant of justice. 

4. Transgression and Dispossession

Specific verses address the act of driving people from their homes, a central issue in modern human rights reports.

Unjust Eviction: Verse 22:40 condemns those who were “evicted from their homes unjustly, for no reason other than saying, ‘Our Lord is God’”.

Right to Return: Believers are commanded to “drive them out [of the places] from which they have driven you out,” as persecution is considered “worse than killing” (2:191).”

HAMAS’ VIOLATIONS OF THE QUR’AN

Considering Hamas’ human rights violations, what does the Qur’an (Quran) (exclude Hadith) have to say about it?

GoogleAI Mode: “While the Qur’an does not mention Hamas as a modern political organization, it contains several universal mandates regarding human rights, the conduct of war, and the protection of civilians that are often used to evaluate the group’s actions. 

1. Sanctity of Life and Killing of Innocents 

The Qur’an emphasizes the absolute sanctity of every human life, regardless of faith or nationality. 

Universal Prohibition: Verse 5:32 famously states that killing an innocent person is as if one has “killed all of mankind”, while saving a life is like saving all of mankind.

Targeting Non-Combatants: The Qur’an commands believers to “fight in the way of Allah those who fight you but do not transgress” (2:190). Most scholars interpret “transgression” to include harming women, children, the elderly, or any non-combatants.

Sacredness of Life: Life is a “sacred” trust from God that cannot be taken except by “way of justice and law” (17:33). 

2. Treatment of Prisoners and Hostages

Specific rules are laid out for those captured during conflict. 

Mandate of Kindness: The Qur’an encourages the humane treatment of captives, suggesting they be released either as a favor or for ransom after fighting has ceased (47:4).

Feeding the Captive: The righteous are described as those who “give food in spite of love for it to the needy, the orphan, and the captive” (76:8).

Prohibition of Treachery: Deception and treachery in dealing with enemies are condemned (17:34), as a believer is expected to uphold their covenants and promises. 

3. Conduct and Proportionality in Conflict 

Even in a state of defense against oppression, the Qur’an sets ethical boundaries. 

No Excuse for Injustice: Personal hatred for an enemy is not a valid reason to deviate from justice. Verse 5:8 commands: “do not let the hatred of a people prevent you from being just”.

Proportionality: If retaliation is pursued, it must be “equivalent to the injury” received, but the text explicitly favors patience and forgiveness (16:126).

Corruption on Earth (Fasad): The Qur’an strongly condemns spreading fasad—disorder, corruption, and indiscriminate violence—on the earth, listing it as a grave sin (5:33). 

4. Human Dignity

The Qur’an grants inherent dignity to all human beings as “Children of Adam” (17:70), which many contemporary scholars argue precludes any form of dehumanization or systemic human rights abuse.”

THE SOLUTIONS

What are the solutions?

GoogleAI Mode: “The Qur’an does not offer a specific political roadmap for the 21st century, but it outlines several fundamental principles as “solutions” for achieving a just and lasting peace in any conflict, including the Holy Land.

1. Reconciliation through Justice (Islah and Adl)

The Qur’an prioritizes reconciliation (Islah) but mandates that it must be built on a foundation of absolute justice.

The Mediation Framework: If two groups fight, others are commanded to make peace between them. However, if one group continues to transgress, the community must intervene against the aggressor until they return to “God’s ordinance” (49:9).

Meticulous Fairness: Once a settlement is reached, it must be enacted with “all fairness” and justice (qist), as “Allah loves those who act justly” (49:9).

Impartiality: Justice must be upheld even if it goes against one’s own interests, family, or people (4:135). 

2. Repelling Evil with “What is Better”

A primary strategy for de-escalation is to respond to harm with excellence to dissolve enmity.

Transformation of Enemies: Verse 41:34 advises: “Repel [evil] by that [deed] which is better; and thereupon the one whom between you and him is enmity [will become] as though he was a devoted friend”.

Forgiveness as a Higher Path: While justice allows for equivalent retribution, the Qur’an states that “whoever pardons and makes reconciliation—his reward is from Allah” (42:40). 

3. Conditional Inheritance of the Land

The Qur’an links the right to live in the Holy Land to moral conduct rather than ethnic entitlement.

The Righteous shall Inherit: Verse 21:105 states that “My righteous servants shall inherit the land.” Many scholars interpret this to mean that peace and security in the Holy Land are conditional upon the inhabitants following God’s commands of justice and compassion.

Covenant against Transgression: When Abraham asked if his descendants would always be leaders in the land, God replied: “My covenant does not embrace the transgressors” (2:124). 

4. Universal Human Dignity and Coexistence

Respecting Non-Combatants: The Qur’an prohibits fighting those who do not fight you and mandates kindness (birr) and equity toward those who have not driven you from your homes (60:8).

Sacredness of Life: Adhering to the principle that “saving one life is like saving all of mankind” (5:32) is presented as the only way to prevent “corruption on the earth” (fasad).

Dialogue and Consultation: The principle of Shura (mutual consultation) is encouraged as a means to resolve community disputes and prevent the rise of tyrants (42:38).”