International Association of Genocide Scholars Declares Israel's Actions in Gaza Meet Definition of Genocide

Strategic Insights -

The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has formally declared that Israel's actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide under international law. The resolution, adopted on August 31, was supported by 86% of the 500 members, who deemed Israel's policies and military operations in Gaza as genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. This declaration marks a historic moment of international academic consensus on the gravity of Israel's actions in Gaza.

Key Takeaways:

  • The IAGS resolution highlights that since October 7, 2023, Israel has carried out widespread and systematic attacks against civilians, resulting in the deaths of over 59,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injuring over 143,000.
  • The resolution cites deliberate killings and injuries of civilians, including more than 50,000 children; indiscriminate bombing and forced displacement of nearly all of Gaza's 2.3 million residents; and destruction of homes and infrastructure.
  • The IAGS also acknowledged the findings of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), which in three provisional rulings in 2024 found it "plausible" that Israel is committing genocide.
  • The resolution calls on Israel to cease all acts constituting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity, and urges compliance with the ICJ's provisional measures and the ICC's legal proceedings.
  • The resolution emphasizes that the acts target not only Hamas but the entire Gazan population, and have had devastating consequences for Palestinian families, society, and future generations.

Statistics:

  • Over 59,000 Palestinians have been killed in Israel's military operations in Gaza.
  • More than 143,000 Palestinians have been injured.
  • Over 2.3 million residents of Gaza have been forced to flee their homes.
  • At least 348 lives, including 127 children, have been claimed by famine.
  • An estimated 9,000 people remain missing.
  • Hundreds of thousands of Palestinians have been displaced.

Sources:

  • International Association of Genocide Scholars
  • United Nations
  • International Court of Justice
  • International Criminal Court
  • HT Digital Content Services
  • Siasat Daily