A United Nations commission of inquiry has declared that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The report asserts that there are reasonable grounds to conclude that four out of five genocidal acts defined under international law have taken place since the onset of the war with Hamas in 2023. The identified acts include the killing of group members, causing serious bodily and mental harm, inflicting living conditions to destroy the group, and preventing births.
The evidence cited in the report comes from statements made by Israeli leaders and the behavior of Israeli forces, which the commission claims demonstrates genocidal intent.
In response, Israel's foreign ministry has firmly rejected these allegations, labeling the report as distorted and false. The ministry released a statement indicating the three experts on the commission serve as proxies for Hamas and rely on what they call "Hamas falsehoods."
The violence escalated significantly following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which around 1,200 people were killed. In retaliation, Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in reported fatalities exceeding 64,905, according to health authorities in the territory.
The commission detailed that as a result of Israeli military operations, a significant part of the Palestinian population has been displaced, with extensive damage to homes and infrastructure resulting in a humanitarian crisis.
The commission also stated that political leaders from Israel have incited genocidal actions through their rhetoric and governmental strategies. Notably, Prime Minister Netanyahu, in past statements, referenced his intent to retaliate against Gaza comprehensively.
Ultimately, the commission's findings align with other global criticisms that have emerged regarding Israel's actions against Palestinians during this conflict, warning that international obligation exists to prevent and punish the crime of genocide under the Genocide Convention.
The evidence cited in the report comes from statements made by Israeli leaders and the behavior of Israeli forces, which the commission claims demonstrates genocidal intent.
In response, Israel's foreign ministry has firmly rejected these allegations, labeling the report as distorted and false. The ministry released a statement indicating the three experts on the commission serve as proxies for Hamas and rely on what they call "Hamas falsehoods."
The violence escalated significantly following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, during which around 1,200 people were killed. In retaliation, Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in reported fatalities exceeding 64,905, according to health authorities in the territory.
The commission detailed that as a result of Israeli military operations, a significant part of the Palestinian population has been displaced, with extensive damage to homes and infrastructure resulting in a humanitarian crisis.
The commission also stated that political leaders from Israel have incited genocidal actions through their rhetoric and governmental strategies. Notably, Prime Minister Netanyahu, in past statements, referenced his intent to retaliate against Gaza comprehensively.
Ultimately, the commission's findings align with other global criticisms that have emerged regarding Israel's actions against Palestinians during this conflict, warning that international obligation exists to prevent and punish the crime of genocide under the Genocide Convention.
