Genocide Scholars Association Passes Resolution Declaring Israel's Actions in Gaza Meet Legal Definition of Genocide

Strategic Insights -

The world's leading genocide scholars' association has passed a resolution declaring that Israel's policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide. The resolution, adopted by 86% of the 500-member International Association of Genocide Scholars, states that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide as defined in Article II of the United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948). The resolution comes amidst ongoing violence in Gaza, where Israel has killed 63,000 people, damaged or destroyed most buildings, and forced nearly all residents to flee their homes at least once since its assault in October 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The International Association of Genocide Scholars passed a resolution declaring that Israel's actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide, with 86% of 500 members voting in favor.
  • The resolution states that Israel's policies and actions in Gaza constitute genocide as defined in Article II of the United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948).
  • The resolution calls on Israel to immediately cease all acts that constitute genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza, including deliberate attacks against civilians and starvation.
  • The Hamas attack on Israel that precipitated the war is considered an international crime by the association.
  • The resolution is the ninth passed by the association since its founding in 1994, recognizing historic or ongoing episodes as genocides.
  • The United Nations defines genocide as crimes committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group, as such.

Statistics:

  • 86% of the 500-member International Association of Genocide Scholars voted in favor of the resolution.
  • 63,000 people have been killed in Gaza since October 2023.
  • Most buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed.
  • Nearly all residents of Gaza have been forced to flee their homes at least once since October 2023.
  • The United Nations Genocide Convention requires all countries to act to prevent and stop genocide.

Sources:

  • Reuters, "International Association of Genocide Scholars passes resolution on Israel's actions in Gaza" (no date available)
  • International Association of Genocide Scholars, "Resolution on Israel's Actions in Gaza" (no date available)
  • United Nations, "United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide" (1948)