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Gaza Strip

International Association of Genocide Scholars Declares Israel's Conduct in Gaza as Genocide

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has passed a resolution stating that Israel's conduct during its almost two-year war in Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide. This move comes as part of the growing international criticism of Israel's actions in Gaza, where its offensive has resulted in over 63,000 deaths, displaced most of the 2.1 million population, and triggered widespread starvation. The resolution highlights Israel's systematic and widespread crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, including indiscriminate and deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has a membership of approximately 500 experts who have declared that Israel's conduct in Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide.
  • The resolution states that Israel's government has engaged in systematic and widespread crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide, including indiscriminate and deliberate attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure.
  • Almost 90% of IAGS members who voted on the resolution voted in favor of it, indicating a significant consensus among genocide scholars.
  • The IAGS resolution was symbolic but carries significant weight, as it is one of the largest academic organizations specializing in genocide research and education.
  • The resolution also condemns Hamas's 2023 attack, which triggered the war, as "horrific" and constituting international crimes itself.
  • Israeli officials have denied allegations of genocide, with the foreign ministry calling the IAGS resolution "disgraceful" and "an embarrassment to the legal profession".
  • The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defense minister Yoav Gallant for crimes against humanity and war crimes.

Statistics:

  • 63,000 deaths in Gaza due to Israel's offensive, according to Palestinian health officials.
  • 2,100,000 population of Gaza, with most having been displaced by Israel's actions.
  • 250 hostages seized by Hamas militants in 2023, triggering the war.
  • 90% of IAGS members who voted on the resolution voted in favor of it.

Sources:

  • "International Association of Genocide Scholars declares Israel's conduct in Gaza as genocide", by Andrew England (The Financial Times)
  • "Israel's Gaza war: Genocide declared by leading experts", by Malaika Kanaaneh Tapper and James Shotter (The Financial Times)

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