Genocide Scholars Declare Israel's War on Gaza a Crime of Genocide

Strategic Insights -

Leading experts in international law, members of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), have formally declared that Israel's war on Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide. The resolution passed with overwhelming support from 86% of the 500-member body, citing deliberate attacks on civilians, starvation, deprivation of humanitarian aid, and forced displacement as evidence of genocide. This landmark declaration has significant implications for Israel's growing legal woes, including an ongoing case at the International Court of Justice at The Hague and an arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court for war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), a 500-member body of academics founded in 1994, passed a resolution declaring that Israel's war on Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide.
  • The resolution won overwhelming support with 86% of members voting in favour, calling on Israel to halt deliberate attacks on civilians, including children, starvation, deprivation of humanitarian aid, and forced displacement.
  • IAGS has previously recognised genocides in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Rwanda, Armenia, and Myanmar.
  • The UN convention cited by IAGS defines genocide as crimes committed "with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group".
  • The resolution also said Hamas's attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023 constituted international crimes but emphasised that these acts do not justify genocide.
  • Hundreds of UN human rights staff urged High Commissioner Volker Turk to explicitly label Israel's campaign as genocide, underscoring growing international consensus.

Statistics:

  • Since Israel launched its war on Gaza in October 2023, more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed.
  • Nearly all residents have been displaced at least once.
  • Most of Gaza's buildings have been destroyed or damaged.
  • A UN-backed global hunger monitor confirmed the famine in parts of Gaza, a direct result of Israel's blockade and bombing campaign.
  • 86% of IAGS members voted in favour of the resolution declaring genocide.

Sources:

  • International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS)
  • Reuters news agency
  • Al Jazeera news outlet
  • United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide
  • International Court of Justice at The Hague