Jérôme Heurtaux's 'Le droit international est-il mort à Gaza ?' Examines Law's Limits in Gaza Conflict
On September 6, 2026, RFI's 'Idées' featured host Pierre-Édouard Deldique in conversation with political scientist Jérôme Heurtaux regarding his book, 'Le droit international est-il mort à Gaza?' published by Riveneuve. Motivated by his outrage over the massacres in Israel on October 7, 2023, Heurtaux examines the function of international law amid severe violence. He contends that although international law serves as a universal framework for comprehending atrocities, its success hinges on proper enforcement. The initial chapter assesses investigations conducted by NGOs and the UN concerning Gaza, despite restrictions imposed by Israel. The second chapter addresses the situation's classification as genocide, while the third chapter critiques the protective capabilities of international law.
Key facts
- Jérôme Heurtaux is the author of 'Le droit international est-il mort à Gaza ?' published by Riveneuve.
- The book was born from dismay and anger over crimes in Gaza after the October 7, 2023, massacres in Israel.
- Heurtaux is a political scientist who previously studied Polish silence and denialism after World War II.
- The first chapter synthesizes investigations by Palestinian and Israeli NGOs, the UN, and international criminal bodies.
- The second chapter explores how actors use international criminal law categories: war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide.
- Heurtaux notes a convergence of analyses qualifying Gaza as genocide, citing civilian deaths, starvation, infrastructure destruction, and dehumanization.
- The book references the 1948 Convention and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.
- The third chapter questions whether international law can still protect, qualify, and sanction.
- Heurtaux argues international law's effectiveness depends on implementation before courts.
- The essay asks what remains of international law when powerful states refuse to apply it.
- The interview aired on RFI's 'Idées' program on September 6, 2026.
- Music by Hussam Aliwat, Shamaly, and Abderraouf Ouertani was featured.
Entities
Artists
- Jérôme Heurtaux
- Pierre-Édouard Deldique
- Hussam Aliwat
- Shamaly
- Abderraouf Ouertani
Institutions
- Riveneuve
- RFI
- United Nations
- International Criminal Court
Locations
- Gaza
- Israel
- Poland