The conference titled “Our Lesson: Palestine” was held at Marmara University on Thursday, October 2, in the Dr. İbrahim Üzümcü Conference Hall at the Göztepe Campus. The event, which featured Marmara University Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakkı Hakan Erkiner as the keynote speaker, was attended by Marmara University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Üstün and a large number of students.
“What we are witnessing is an act of violence that is completely contrary to humanitarian law.”
Beginning his speech by drawing attention to the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza, Erkiner stated: 'In the face of this severe human tragedy, one must be aware and conscious, and the path to such awareness lies in knowledge.' Emphasising that the ongoing tragedy cannot be explained solely through a religious lens, he said: 'The issue should not be approached in the context of Christianity, Islam or Judaism, but rather in terms of the human tragedies experienced by people.'
In reference to the news report distributed by Anadolu Agency on 4 May 2025, Erkiner cited the statement of a 21-year-old mother in Gaza who lost her four-month-old baby to starvation. "God has been instrumental in shielding my daughter from the harsh realities of the world and the prevailing madness." Erkiner noted that this single statement alone is sufficient to reveal the human dimension of the conflict.
Erkiner emphasised that this brutality, with at least a seventy-year history, is also evident in the written records of human history, and that the events are in complete violation of humanitarian law. "Because of this savagery, a four-month-old baby dies of hunger," he said, emphasising that this tragedy has become a dark page in history. Erkiner further noted that one of the fundamental duties of the United Nations and other international institutions is to prevent such tragedies, adding, "In fact, the purpose of these institutions is to ensure that no mother would ever have to utter such words."
Continuing his address, Erkiner emphasised the universality of law, stating, "It is essential that we do not define legal correctness based on our disposition or position." He explained that the methodology of international law aims to derive normative truth from definitions, and that legal knowledge serves as a scientific compass in conceptualizing severe violations.
“The blockade has been illegitimate under international law from the very beginning.”
Erkiner also evaluated the blockade imposed on Gaza, stating that it has been illegitimate under international law from the outset. He explained that the obstruction of access to food and medicine is a result of occupation and annexation, and reminded that the freedom of the high seas and the right of international passage have been violated. Recalling that the International Court of Justice twice affirmed that “Gaza is not Israel,” he argued that interventions against humanitarian aid flotillas are also illegitimate.
Erkiner further noted that such violations fall within the responsibility of all states, not only the aggrieved party: “All states may invoke Israel’s responsibility regarding the rights of this flotilla and may demand compensation and sanctions.” He added that the attack on the flotilla also constitutes an international crime with respect to individuals, emphasizing that the execution of unlawful orders does not absolve criminal responsibility.
The conference concluded with a question-and-answer session, followed by Marmara University Vice Rector Prof. Dr. Gül Üstün presenting a plaque of appreciation to Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hakkı Hakan Erkiner.
