An inquiry commissioned by the United Nations has found that Israel is engaging in genocidal acts against Palestinians in the conflict-ridden Gaza region. The investigation revealed that four out of the five genocidal acts as defined by international law have been committed.
The acts include killing group members, causing severe physical or mental harm, intentionally creating conditions aimed at destruction, and obstructing births. Independent human rights investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council reached this conclusion recently.
Israel has initiated an expanded military operation in Gaza City, urging residents to move south. The country has vehemently denied the genocide allegations, labeling them as antisemitic “blood libel.”
After a thorough legal examination, the commission determined that Israel had committed four of the five genocidal acts outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. Navi Pillay, the chair of the commission and former UN human rights chief, stated that Israel is accountable for the genocide in Gaza based on the criteria set forth in the convention.
According to the report, Israeli leaders, including President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and then Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, were implicated in inciting genocide. The commission emphasized that it was commissioned by the Human Rights Council but does not represent the entire UN.
Israel has declined to cooperate with the commission, accusing it and the Human Rights Council of bias against Israel. The commission’s 72-page report details the genocidal acts committed by Israeli authorities and security forces against Palestinians in Gaza.
The report also accuses Israeli officials of inciting genocide and failing to take action against such incitement. Israeli authorities have dismissed the report as distorted and false, countering with allegations of Hamas attempting genocide in Israel.
Israel has expanded its military operation in response to attacks by Hamas, resulting in casualties on both sides. The conflict has led to a significant loss of life, with thousands of Palestinians killed in Israel’s retaliatory strikes.