UN Commission Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza

Strategic Insights -

A UN commission has accused Israel of carrying out a deliberate campaign to eliminate Palestinian life in Gaza, targeting civilians sheltering in schools and religious sites. The commission's report, set to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on June 17, highlights the destruction of over 90% of school and university buildings in Gaza, along with half of the enclave's religious and cultural sites. The commission's findings, led by former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Navi Pillay, document war crimes committed by Israeli forces, including deliberate attacks on civilians and the killing of people seeking shelter in educational and religious facilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel has accused Israel of carrying out a genocide by targeting civilians in Gaza.
  • The commission's report documents the destruction of over 90% of school and university buildings in Gaza, along with half of the enclave's religious and cultural sites.
  • Israel has committed war crimes, including deliberate attacks on civilians and the killing of people seeking shelter in educational and religious facilities.
  • The Palestinian education system has been severely damaged, not only in Gaza but also in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem.
  • The commission highlights a rise in Israeli military operations in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, as well as increasing harassment of students and settler violence.
  • Israel withdrew from the UN Human Rights Council in February, accusing it of bias.

Statistics:

  • Over 90% of school and university buildings in Gaza have been destroyed.
  • More than half of the enclave's religious and cultural sites have been destroyed.
  • The commission has documented cases of war crimes committed by Israeli forces, including deliberate attacks on civilians and the killing of people seeking shelter in educational and religious facilities.

Sources:

  • "UN Commission Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza," Palestine news & Information Agency - WAFA - English, 10 Jun 2025.
  • Statement by Navi Pillay, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.