UN Report Concludes Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza, Citing Four Genocidal Criteria

Strategic Insights -

A devastating UN report has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, citing four out of five genocidal criteria as established under international law. The report, released on Tuesday, September 16, by the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, documents the brutal Israeli military campaign in Gaza, which has resulted in the deaths of over 64,964 people and left 90% of homes damaged or destroyed.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN report cites four out of five genocidal criteria, including killing members of a group, causing them serious bodily and mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to destroy the group, and preventing births.
  • The report states that Israel's actions in Gaza since the start of the Israeli-Hamas war in 2023 meet the definition of genocide under international law.
  • The Israeli Foreign Ministry rejects the report, claiming it is "distorted and false" and that The Commission is "serving as Hamas proxies."
  • Israeli President Herzog denies the report, stating that his words were misinterpreted.
  • UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk says that the evidence of genocide is mounting and that all States are under a legal obligation to use all means reasonably available to stop the genocide in Gaza.
  • The International Court of Justice is hearing a case brought by South Africa, which accuses Israeli forces of genocide.

Statistics:

  • 64,964 people have been killed by Israeli attacks in Gaza since October 7, 2023. (BBC)
  • 90% of homes in Gaza are damaged or destroyed. (BBC)
  • An estimated one million people in Gaza are facing famine. (OCHA)
  • The UN calls for a ceasefire, protection of civilians, and humanitarian access across the Gaza Strip.

Sources:

  • BBC quote from Navi Pillay, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel
  • OCHA report on the humanitarian situation in Gaza
  • BBC article "UN report concludes Israel committing genocide in Gaza, citing four genocidal criteria"
  • UN Human Rights Council press release on the report
  • International Court of Justice press release on the hearing of the South African case against Israel