New York: A United Nations commission of inquiry has released a report accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, citing four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law. The report, produced by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, claims that Israel has engaged in actions including killing members of a group, causing serious bodily and mental harm, deliberately creating conditions to destroy the group, and preventing births.
According to BBC, the report is based on statements from Israeli leaders and the conduct of Israeli forces, suggesting genocidal intent. An Israeli military official has dismissed the report as “baseless,” arguing that no other country has operated under such conditions and done as much to prevent civilian harm on the battlefield. The Israeli military launched its campaign in Gaza following a Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on 7 October 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 deaths and 251 hostages. Since then, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza reports over 64,905 deaths due to Israeli attacks.
The report highlights the severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza, with most of the population repeatedly displaced, over 90% of homes damaged or destroyed, collapsed healthcare and sanitation systems, and declared famine conditions in Gaza City by UN-backed food security experts. The commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2021, has previously identified both Palestinian armed groups and Israeli security forces as committing grave violations of international law.
The 72-page document alleges Israeli authorities and forces have committed four out of the five acts of genocide as defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention. The commission argues that statements by Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demonstrate intent to destroy the Palestinian group. It also notes systematic attacks on religious and cultural sites, as well as a siege on Gaza.
Israeli leaders maintain that their military operations aim to defeat Hamas and secure the release of hostages while adhering to international law. However, Navi Pillay, chair of the commission, cited statements from Israeli leaders as evidence of genocidal intent, including Netanyahu’s vow for “mighty vengeance” and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant’s description of Palestinians as “human animals.”
The commission asserts that Israel bears responsibility for failing to prevent, committing, and not punishing genocide, warning that other countries have an obligation under the Genocide Convention to prevent and punish the crime. The commission’s members, who announced their resignation in July due to various personal reasons, call for continued investigation into potential complicity by other parties.
The Israeli foreign ministry has called for the abolition of the commission, while various international and Israeli human rights organizations have also accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. The ongoing work of the commission aims to further investigate and possibly name parties as co-conspirators in the alleged genocide.