When traditional paths to justice are not successful, a People’s Tribunal can educate community members and offer some measure of justice to those harmed. On May 31, 2025, Philadelphia held a People’s Tribunal to address the atrocities happening in Palestine. WILPF’s Greater Philadelphia branch endorsed and participated in this process.

“As a WILPF member, I was humbled and honored to be asked to take part,” said Tina Shelton. “I came into the juror role feeling unsure of my qualifications, but the inspiration from my elders and support from branch members helped me do my part to stand against the suffering in Gaza.”

Friday’s at Fetterman’s (F@F), the only local group holding weekly protests against the war in Gaza, initiated and led the tribunal’s planning over several months. Senator Fetterman of Pennsylvania has not been responsive to public pressure and is now the most pro-Israel senator in office. The first step in the planning process was securing partners. Fortunately, F@F found incredibly knowledgeable and committed allies in the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC) and Friends of Sabeel North America (FOSNA). 

On the day of the People’s Tribunal, the lead prosecutor shared examples of tribunals on other topics, which later led to reformation. Surprisingly, we learned about a People’s Tribunal held about Palestine in 1966! This information primed us to hear evidence that addressed the United States government’s complicity in the Palestinian genocide. As of June 20, 2025, the jurors are deliberating the evidence and will present their findings in the coming weeks.

Attendees of the People’s Tribunal on War Crimes and Genocide in Gaza heard accounts from witnesses during the meeting. Photo by ​​Jonathan Britt.

The jurors and observers heard testimonials from a variety of witnesses. They varied from law experts to journalists to Palestinian residents. Human rights attorney Jonathan Kuttab, a Palestinian himself, examined United Nations conventions, which hold the power of international law, and argued that the government is violating international laws. Another witness spoke to violations of US laws, notably the Leahy Law, which WILPF members have urged the government to respect. We also heard from a resident of Sheik Ajleen (a neighborhood in northern Gaza) about her harrowing experiences living in Palestine before and after October 7. A Palestinian refugee (AFSC’s Gaza Coordinator of the Palestine Activism Program) provided another testimony about inhumane living conditions there. After witnesses offered their testimonies, jurors questioned them to clarify and deepen their accounts.

“Observing the Tribunal was a powerful experience,” reflected Shaili Stockham, a WILPF US summer intern. “While audience members could only observe, all the testimonies were projected and engaging. Hearing from former and current Palestinian residents was devastating and made their reality inescapable. It’s not like watching the news—it’s like speaking with a friend. I came away feeling that the US government clearly aids Israel’s war crime capability, feeling sorrow for the Palestinian people, and being educated on the realities of the situation. I hope this tribunal is replicated to spread knowledge, awareness, and empathy. Professional statements of violations in treaties, like the Geneva Conventions, made me question how Israel is continuing to commit grievous crimes without world powers intervening.”

People’s Tribunals, like the recent one in Philadelphia, can be a step toward accountability for Israel’s war crimes. Photo by Jonathan Britt.

Once the jurors present their findings, we urge WILPF members to spread the word. Doing this will lead to the second goal: encouraging other entities to start People’s Tribunals (like the recent Sarajevo People’s Tribunal). The form of each tribunal will be different, but they will move us closer to accountability. As Israel continues to commit egregious acts of violence and violate humanitarian law, it is clear that only sustained, intense pressure from US citizens can end America’s role in the conflict. With Israel growing more isolated by the day, the withdrawal of US support is crucial to halting the war.

The ultimate goal of these events is for people to learn the scale of injustice and inhumanity so that the rivers holding our cries for justice will become the ocean that brings an end to the war in Gaza. 

For more information about the Philadelphia People’s Tribunal On War Crimes And Genocide in Gaza, click here.

Attendees of the People’s Tribunal on War Crimes and Genocide in Gaza in Philadelphia embrace during the event. Photo by Jonathan Britt.