Sign in Subscribe
United Nations

UN Investigators Allege Israel's Actions in Gaza Constitute Genocide

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Senior independent rights investigators appointed by the Human Rights Council have alleged that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide, a charge flatly rejected by Tel Aviv. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, has urged Israel and all countries to fulfil their obligations under international law to end the genocide and punish those responsible. The Commission's findings are based on an investigation into the war in Gaza, which began with Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023.

Key Takeaways:

  • The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel, has alleged that Israel's actions in Gaza constitute genocide.
  • The Commission's Chair, Navi Pillay, stated that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza, citing the intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.
  • The Commission has examined Israeli military operations in Gaza, including the killing of unprecedented numbers of Palestinians and the imposition of a total siege, including blocking humanitarian aid leading to starvation.
  • The panel has also analysed conduct of Israeli authorities and the Israeli security forces in Gaza, concluding that genocidal intent was the only reasonable inference that could be concluded from the nature of their operations.
  • The Commission has reviewed alleged direct targeting of children, the disregarding of orders from the International Court of Justice, and the systematic destruction of healthcare and education in Gaza.
  • The Commission's assertion follows its review of evidence of genocide in Gaza, including the imposition of starvation and inhumane conditions of life for Palestinians.
  • The Commission has called on all States to use all means reasonably available to them to stop the genocide in Gaza and to hold those responsible accountable.

Statistics:

  • Nearly one million people remain in Gaza City.
  • Palestine has faced daily bombardment and compromised access to means of survival after the Israeli military placed the entire city under a displacement order.
  • The Commission's report has found that Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts defined by the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide: killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the destruction of the Palestinians, and imposing measures intended to prevent births.
  • The report has also identified cases of systematic destruction of healthcare and education in Gaza and systematic acts of sexual and gender-based violence against Palestinians.

Sources:

  • United Nations
  • UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel
  • Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission
  • Danny Meron, Israel's Ambassador to the UN in Geneva
  • Antnio Guterres, UN Secretary-General
  • Rosemary DiCarlo, UN's political affairs chief

Read more