Gilles Devers, a renowned French international lawyer, passed away after a lifetime dedicated to advocating for Palestinian rights.

Known for his unwavering support of the Palestinian cause, Devers tirelessly represented it before international courts throughout his career.

He founded the International Lawyers' Committee, a global network of 800 lawyers and legal experts committed to holding accountable those responsible for war crimes. This committee played a pivotal role in bringing legal action before the International Criminal Court, leading to the recent issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli leaders Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant.

Tributes poured in on social media, remembering him not only as a brilliant lawyer but also as a compassionate and steadfast advocate who gave a voice to the voiceless.

With profound sadness we mourn the loss of our dear friend and unwavering advocate for the Saharawi cause lawyer Gilles Devers. A tireless defender of justice, his efforts resulted in the CJEU annulment of illegal EU-Morocco deals. His exceptional legacy will endure. RIP. pic.twitter.com/JzfLhha1uq

— Kamal Fadel (@Alfudail) November 26, 2024

His work will continue to inspire future generations of activists and legal professionals dedicated to defending human rights and justice.

Choqué par la disparition de Maître Gilles Devers avec qui j'ai eu l'honneur de travailler. Il m'avait dit être malade, tout en précisant avec son humour et sa bonne humeur habituels "C'est rien par rapport à ce que vivent les Palestiniens". Un grand monsieur et une grande perte. pic.twitter.com/PyDEEqdXGm

— Rafik Chekkat (@r_chekkat) November 26, 2024

Devers' legacy as a defender of justice and human rights leaves an indelible mark on international law.

ICC issues arrest warrants for Netanyahu, Gallant over war crimes

The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued on Thursday arrest warrants for Israeli occupation Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of "crimes against humanity and war crimes."

This marks a significant escalation in legal actions concerning the war on Gaza, obliging the ICC’s 124 member states to detain Netanyahu and Gallant should they enter their territory.

The court announced its unanimous rejection of "Israel's" appeal challenging the ICC’s jurisdiction. 

The ICC stated that there are "reasonable grounds" to believe Netanyahu and Gallant “bear criminal responsibility for the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare."

It also indicated that they "intentionally and knowingly deprived" Gaza’s civilian population of essential resources, including food, water, medical supplies, and fuel.

Read more: Next Senate majority leader warns ICC over 'Israel' arrest warrants

Hamas files complaint to ICC against 'Israel's' siege on Gaza Strip

Back in June 2023, Palestinian Resistance group Hamas filed a complaint to the International Criminal Court (ICC) against the Israeli occupation over its 17-year siege on the Gaza Strip, describing "Israel" as an "occupation entity" that has committed crimes against Palestinians.

In a statement, Huda Naim, the head of the human rights committee in the Palestinian Legislative Council in the Gaza Strip, indicated that "we are in a comprehensive battle with a criminal, colonial, settler occupation, which includes all arenas and fields, and the legal battle is one of the most important tools, because the occupation depends for its survival on military force and international support and cover."

Naim stated that French international lawyer Gilles Devers was set to submit a complaint to the ICC filed by Hamas MPs on the Israeli occupation's war crimes committed during the ongoing blockade imposed on Gaza.

At the time, the Palestinian official explained that approaching the ICC "comes as part of the legal and parliamentary diplomatic efforts undertaken by the Legislative Council and its deputies, to criminalize the Israeli occupation for its grave violations against the Palestinian people, especially the crime of blockade, and its flagrant violations of laws and charters."

"There is a great need to exert every effort to strengthen the Palestinian narrative, reveal the fascist truth of the occupation, and expose its crimes to international public opinion," Naim stressed.