UN Commission Declares Israel Committed Genocide in Gaza

A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has officially concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The report, released on October 10, 2023, accuses top Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of inciting actions that contribute to this finding. The commission’s analysis cites extensive evidence, including killings, aid blockages, forced displacements, and the destruction of health facilities, particularly a fertility clinic, as integral to its assertion.

According to the commission chair, Navi Pillay, a former International Criminal Court judge, “Genocide is occurring in Gaza.” She emphasized that the responsibility for these atrocities lies with Israeli authorities, whom she claims have orchestrated a campaign aimed at the destruction of the Palestinian population over nearly two years. Pillay’s remarks resonate with the sentiments of various human rights organizations that have reached similar conclusions.

The commission’s findings prompted a strong response from Taoiseach Micheál Martin, who expressed his horror at the actions of the Israeli government. He stated that it is evident genocide is taking place and urged the international community, including Europe and the United States, to escalate pressure on Israel to halt the violence. Martin described the current situation as a war against Palestinian birth, highlighting the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.

The independent report claims that Israel has met four of the five criteria for genocide as outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. Martin remarked on the thoroughness and reliability of the report, noting that the lead investigator had previously worked on the Rwandan genocide case. He pointed out that the report indicates that 90 percent of housing in Gaza has been destroyed, along with vital education and healthcare facilities.

While Israel has refused to cooperate with the commission, its diplomatic mission in Geneva has accused the body of having a political agenda against the state. The commission’s 72-page report represents the most robust UN assessment to date, though it does not carry official UN endorsement. The UN has faced increasing pressure to adopt the term genocide in its discourse regarding the crisis.

The ongoing conflict began after a deadly attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 individuals and the capture of 251 hostages, according to Israeli figures. In the subsequent military operations, the Gaza Health Ministry reports that over 64,000 people have been killed. The situation has escalated to the point where parts of Gaza are now facing famine, according to a global hunger monitor.

The commission’s report aligns with the legal definition of genocide, which requires at least one of five specific acts to be demonstrated. The reported acts include killing, causing significant bodily or mental harm, inflicting conditions meant to destroy a group, and preventing births within that group. The commission has gathered evidence through interviews with victims and witnesses, verified documents, and satellite imagery since the onset of hostilities.

Pillay pointed to statements made by Netanyahu and other officials as direct evidence of genocidal intent. Specifically, she referenced a letter Netanyahu sent to Israeli soldiers, which framed the Gaza operation as a “holy war of total annihilation.” The report also implicates other high-ranking Israeli officials, including President Isaac Herzog and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant.

Drawing parallels to the Rwandan genocide, Pillay remarked on the dehumanization of victims, stating, “You dehumanise your victims. They’re animals, and so therefore, without conscience, you can kill them.” This comparison underscores the gravity of the situation as the international community grapples with how to respond.

The International Court of Justice is currently reviewing the circumstances surrounding the claims of genocide, with Israel actively defending against these accusations. The state maintains that its military operations are a legitimate exercise of self-defense in response to the Hamas attacks.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the need for urgent humanitarian aid and a resolution to the ongoing violence has never been more pressing. The international calls for accountability and action against the backdrop of this devastating conflict remain paramount.