Death of Gilles Devers, tireless defender of international law and the Palestinian cause

The world of international law is losing one of its most committed voices. Me Gilles Devers died on November 26, 2024, at the end of a four-year battle against illness. His disappearance paradoxically occurs at a time when his legal battles were making decisive progress.

These last months have indeed been marked by two major successes for this lawyer of conviction: the issuance by the International Criminal Court of arrest warrants against Israeli officials, and the invalidation by the Court of Justice of the European Union controversial agreements between Morocco and the EU. Victories which crown years of tireless pleading before the courts of Luxembourg and The Hague.

A recognized specialist in international law and author of the reference work “East Jerusalem under the protection of international law”, Me Devers was particularly distinguished in the defense of Palestinian and Sahrawi causes. Since 2009, he has worked in particular to have the jurisdiction of the ICC recognized over the Palestinian territories, a fight which will have occupied his last strength.

The Oumma editorial team, which collected its enlightening analyzes during an interview in June 2022, presents its most sincere condolences to his family. His departure leaves a considerable void, but his legacy will continue to light the path of those who fight for respect for international law.