A UN-commissioned investigation has determined that Israel is engaged in genocidal actions against Palestinians in war-torn Gaza. The inquiry found that four of the five genocidal acts outlined in international law have been committed, including killing group members, causing severe physical or mental harm, intentionally creating conditions to destroy, and impeding births.
Senior independent human rights investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council made this damning conclusion. Israel has launched an expanded operation in famine-stricken Gaza City, urging residents to move south. Despite vehemently denying genocide accusations and calling them antisemitic, Israel has been accused of committing genocidal acts by the commission.
After a detailed legal analysis, the commission stated that Israel had committed four genocidal acts as per the Genocide Convention adopted in 1948. Commission Chair Navi Pillay emphasized that there is clear intent to eradicate Palestinians in Gaza through actions meeting the Genocide Convention criteria.
The report holds Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant responsible for inciting genocide. The commission, commissioned by the Human Rights Council but not speaking for the UN, detailed the ongoing genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza by Israeli authorities and security forces.
Israel has declined to cooperate with the commission, citing bias, and dismissed the report as distorted and false. The report also accused the Israeli authorities of failing to prevent, punish, or take action against the incitement to genocide. Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the report, labeling it as misleading.
In contrast, Israel accused Hamas of attempting genocide in Israel, referencing alleged atrocities committed by Hamas. Israel has expanded its military operation following heavy strikes in northern Gaza and has been urging Gaza City residents to evacuate, although challenges remain due to overcrowding and transport costs.
The conflict stemmed from a Hamas-led attack on Israel in October 2023, resulting in casualties and hostages. According to Gaza’s health ministry, over 64,900 Palestinians have died in Israel’s retaliatory offensive. Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz described the situation as Gaza being in flames after recent airstrikes.