Israel is accused of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, as per a damning inquiry commissioned by the UN. The investigation revealed that four out of the five genocidal acts outlined in international law have been perpetrated in the region. These acts include killing group members, causing severe physical or mental harm, intentionally creating conditions aimed at destruction, and obstructing births.
Independent human rights investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council made this declaration recently. Meanwhile, Israel has initiated an expanded military operation in Gaza City, urging residents to move south. Despite being established in the aftermath of the Holocaust, Israel vehemently denies the genocide claims, dismissing them as antisemitic “blood libel.”
Following a thorough legal examination, the commission confirmed that Israel had engaged in four of the five genocidal acts as defined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. Commission chair Navi Pillay stated, “Israel is found responsible for committing genocide in Gaza,” emphasizing the intention to annihilate Palestinians through actions aligning with the Genocide Convention criteria.
Pillay, a former UN human rights chief, attributed the responsibility for these atrocities to Israeli authorities at the highest levels during the nearly two-year-long conflict. The report identifies Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, as inciting genocide.
The investigative team, commissioned by the Human Rights Council (HRC), pointed out that it does not represent the UN and lamented Israel’s lack of cooperation, accusing the country and the HRC of anti-Israel bias. The 72-page report details the genocidal acts committed by Israeli authorities against Palestinians in Gaza, including killings, causing harm, deliberately worsening living conditions, and implementing measures to prevent births within the group.
Israel has refuted the report’s findings, labeling them as “distorted and false.” The country’s foreign ministry dismissed the accusations, highlighting Hamas as the true perpetrator of attempted genocide in Israel. In contrast, Hamas is accused of killing civilians, committing atrocities, and openly declaring intentions to eradicate Jews.
Furthermore, Israel announced the expansion of its military operation in response to continued attacks, causing casualties in Gaza. The conflict, initiated by a Hamas-led assault on Israel in 2023, has resulted in significant loss of life on both sides, with Gaza reporting a high number of casualties.
