UN Inquiry: Israel Accused of Genocide in Gaza
A United Nations commission of inquiry has stated that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The report concludes that four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law have been carried out since the conflict with Hamas began in 2023. These acts include killing group members, causing them serious harm, deliberately creating conditions to destroy the group, and preventing births. The commission cites statements by Israeli leaders and the conduct of Israeli forces as evidence of genocidal intent.
Israel's foreign ministry has rejected the report, calling it "distorted and false." The Israeli military launched a campaign in Gaza in response to a Hamas-led attack in October 2023, resulting in numerous casualties. According to Gaza's health ministry, around 64,964 people have been killed in Israeli attacks since then. The region has also faced widespread destruction, displacement, and a humanitarian crisis.
The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory was established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2021. The commission, led by Navi Pillay, a former UN human rights chief, concluded that both Hamas and Israeli forces have committed grave violations of international law. The report accuses Israeli authorities and security forces of committing acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The commission's report alleges that Israeli forces have committed acts defined as genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. These acts include killing group members, causing bodily or mental harm, inflicting conditions leading to destruction, and preventing births. The report states that Israeli leaders have shown genocidal intent through their statements and actions in Gaza.
Israeli leaders have defended their military operations in Gaza as self-defense measures against Hamas and other armed groups. However, the commission's report accuses them of inciting genocide through their speeches and statements. The report also holds the State of Israel responsible for failing to prevent genocide and calls on other countries to take action to prevent and punish the crime of genocide.
The Israeli government has rejected the report, calling it baseless and accusing the commission members of bias. The commission's members have submitted their resignations, citing various reasons. The UN and other human rights organizations have also accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, though legal determinations are typically made by competent courts.