UN Inquiry Alleges Genocide by Israel in Gaza; Israel Denies Claims

A United Nations commission has concluded that Israel has committed acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, with findings indicating that four of the five acts defined under international law have occurred since the outbreak of war with Hamas in 2023. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry, led by former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, cited substantial evidence including killings, severe bodily and mental harm, and measures that prevent births.

The report highlights the actions of Israeli leaders, specifically naming President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant as individuals who “incited the commission of genocide.” It details mass killings through aerial bombardments, the systematic destruction of cultural and religious sites, and a blockade that has left Gaza’s population without essential resources such as food, water, and medical care.

In one significant instance, the commission pointed to the attack on Gaza’s largest fertility clinic in December 2023, which resulted in the destruction of thousands of embryos and sperm samples, labeling it a form of reproductive violence. According to Gaza’s health ministry, since the conflict began, at least 64,905 people have been killed in Israeli strikes.

Israel Dismisses Allegations as False

In response to the findings, Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the report as “distorted and false.” A spokesperson accused the commission of acting as “Hamas proxies” and relying on information that has been “thoroughly debunked.” They emphasized that Hamas, which attacked Israel in early October, was responsible for the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel, and accused the group of attempting genocide against Jews.

The commission asserts that genocidal intent is “the only reasonable inference” from Israel’s military actions. Pillay noted that Netanyahu’s declaration of “mighty vengeance” against Gaza following the October 7 Hamas attack suggested a broader targeting of the civilian population. She remarked that Netanyahu’s description of Gaza as a “wicked city” indicated that he perceived the entire area as culpable.

The report emphasizes that over 90% of homes in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, leading to a collapse of healthcare and sanitation systems, while UN experts have declared a famine in Gaza City. The commission maintained that under the 1948 Genocide Convention, Israel bears responsibility for preventing and punishing genocide.

International Reactions and Ongoing Investigations

The inquiry also raised concerns about the responsibility of other countries, stating they have a binding duty to act against genocide or risk complicity. Pillay mentioned that while the commission has not officially named other parties as co-conspirators, this remains a critical area of ongoing investigation.

Israel maintains that its military operations are focused on Hamas and comply with international law. However, the inquiry’s findings add to the growing body of accusations from various international human rights organizations and UN experts.

Furthermore, the International Court of Justice is currently reviewing a case filed by South Africa, which accuses Israel of genocide—claims that Israel has described as “wholly unfounded.”

The findings of the UN commission represent a significant escalation in the discourse surrounding the Israel-Palestine conflict, raising important questions about accountability and international law. As the situation evolves, the implications of these findings may reverberate across diplomatic and humanitarian discussions globally.