GENEVA (AP) — A group of independent experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council has determined that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. Their report, released on Tuesday, calls upon the global community to intervene and hold accountable those responsible for these acts.
The thorough findings from the three-member team represent the latest claims of genocide against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s administration, voiced by rights advocates amid ongoing military actions in Gaza that have resulted in numerous fatalities. Israel has rejected the report, labeling it as “distorted and false.”
The Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, established four years ago, has documented allegations of human rights violations in Gaza following the deadly attacks on October 7, 2023, initiated by Hamas, as well as other Palestinian regions.
While the commission and the 47-member council cannot impose consequences on any nation, their findings might be utilized by prosecutors at the International Criminal Court or the International Court of Justice.
This report serves as a final communication from the team, which is led by former U.N. rights chief Navi Pillay, who has previously served as a judge at the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda. All three team members announced their intention to resign in July, citing personal reasons and a need for change.
The commission was established by the Human Rights Council and does not represent the views of the United Nations. Israel has consistently refused to engage with the commission, alleging anti-Israel bias, with the Trump administration earlier withdrawing the U.S. from the council.
Commission Accuses Israel of Genocidal Acts
After a detailed legal review assessing both actions and intent, the commission stated that Israel has executed four of the five “genocidal acts” defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention. Pillay remarked, “The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza,” indicating an intent to destroy the Palestinian population through various actions meeting the genocide criteria.
The criteria include killing members of a group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, imposing measures to prevent births, inflicting conditions calculated to lead to physical destruction, and forcibly transferring children. The commission noted that four of these criteria were met, with only the forcible transfer criterion remaining unfulfilled.
Pillay asserted that the responsibility for these atrocities lies with top Israeli officials, including Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who have allegedly incited genocidal actions.
Israel Denies Allegations
Israel, established in the wake of the Holocaust, has firmly dismissed these genocide claims as antisemitic “blood libel.” The Foreign Ministry’s response labeled the report as false, suggesting it was created by individuals with well-known antisemitic views.
In reaching its conclusion about genocide, the commission analyzed the conduct of Israeli security forces and identified “explicit statements” from Israeli officials, among other factors. Notably, they referenced the death toll, Israel’s complete blockade of Gaza leading to starvation, systematic destruction of the healthcare system, and direct attacks on children.
Call to Action from the Commission
The commission urged nations to cease arms transfers to Israel and prevent any actions that could facilitate genocide in Gaza. Pillay emphasized, “The international community cannot remain silent on the genocidal campaign launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza.”
While the current U.N. high commissioner for human rights has spoken against Israel’s actions in Gaza, he has stopped short of labeling them as genocide. His office asserts only an international court can formally declare genocide, a process that may take years and risks further civilian casualties in the interim.
The International Court of Justice is currently reviewing a genocide case filed by South Africa against Israel, with additional countries like Spain, Mexico, and Libya seeking to join the case.
