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Arab-Israeli conflicts

Genocide Scholars Declare Israel's Actions in Gaza as Genocide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has passed a resolution stating that Israel's policies and actions in Gaza have met the legal criteria to establish genocide, with 86% of its 500-member voting membership backing the resolution. The association's president, Melanie O'Brien, emphasized that this is a definitive statement from experts in the field of genocide studies, confirming that the situation in Gaza constitutes genocide. This decision comes after Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip in October 2023, which has resulted in significant loss of life and infrastructure damage.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) passed a resolution declaring Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide, with 86% of its 500-member voting membership in support.
  • The resolution states that Israel's policies and actions in Gaza have met the legal definition set out in Article II of the 1948 UN Convention on genocide.
  • Israel's military action has resulted in the deaths of 63,000 people, destruction or damage of most buildings in the territory, and forced nearly all residents to flee their homes at least once.
  • The Hamas attack on Israel, which precipitated the fighting, is defined as international crimes in the resolution.
  • Israel's foreign ministry called the statement "disgraceful" and "entirely based on Hamas' campaign of lies".
  • The association's president, Melanie O'Brien, stated that there is no justification for the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide, not even in the context of self-defence.

Statistics:

  • 86% of the IAGS voting membership supported the resolution declaring Israel's actions in Gaza as genocide.
  • 63,000 people have been killed in Israel's military action in Gaza.
  • 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas attack against Israeli communities.
  • More than 250 hostages were captured by Hamas fighters.
  • Most buildings in Gaza have been destroyed or damaged.
  • Nearly all residents of Gaza have been forced to flee their homes at least once.

Sources:

  • "International Association of Genocide Scholars Passes Resolution on Israel's Actions in Gaza" (Reuters)
  • "Israel denies allegations of genocide in Gaza" (Daily Times)

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