International Scholars Declare Israel's Actions in Gaza as Genocide

Sun Sep 14 2025 01:04:33 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

The International Association of Genocide Scholars asserts that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, elevating international calls for accountability as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

The International Association of Genocide Scholars has stated that Israel is committing acts of genocide in Gaza, aligning with a growing global concern regarding the situation. The accusations contribute to Israel's increasing isolation in global discourse, while Israel vehemently denies these claims, attributing responsibility for civilian casualties to Hamas. This moment underscores a significant political and humanitarian dialogue surrounding the ongoing conflict.

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The International Association of Genocide Scholars, the largest organization for scholars studying genocide, announced Monday that it believes Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide.

This determination arises amid a growing global discourse regarding Israel's military actions, which have been labeled by various groups as genocidal. The association's conclusion could lead to further isolation of Israel concerning global public opinion. Israel has categorically rejected the accusations.

According to the group's resolution, which garnered 86% support from voting members, Israel’s military strategies and policies in Gaza meet the legal definitions of genocide and crimes against humanity. Melanie O’Brien, the organization's president and a law professor, emphasized the importance of the resolution, stating, People who are experts in the study of genocide can see this situation for what it is.

Genocide, as defined by an internationally recognized 1948 convention, includes acts committed with intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. In stark contrast, Israel's government maintains that it is not committing genocide, instead calling these allegations a form of antisemitism and asserting that Hamas's prior attacks constitute a genocidal act against its population.

Since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, after Hamas's violent surge, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensely worsened. Reports indicate that over 63,000 Palestinians, many of whom are women and children, have died as a result of ongoing military actions, while the vast majority of Gaza's two million residents have been displaced. Israel disputes these casualty figures, offering no alternative numbers but asserts it conducts operations to avoid civilian harm.

The authors of the resolution also recognized the international crimes associated with the recent attacks on civilians, emphasizing that such violence must be addressed. The scholars concluded their resolution by invoking the potential for criminal accountability, reflecting on previous discussions about genocidal acts against other minority groups across the globe.

With ongoing conflicts in Gaza prompting scrutiny from human rights organizations, the international community’s response will be crucial in the coming months as nations and agencies consider appropriate actions regarding Israel's military strategy and civilian protection.