UN Commission Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza, Report Reveals

The United Nations has issued a damning report accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. This conclusion comes from the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, which has been investigating events in the region since October 7, 2023. The commission identified four of the five genocidal acts as defined by international law, implicating Israeli authorities and security forces in actions that include killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life aimed at destroying the Palestinian population in whole or in part.

Chair of the Commission Navi Pillay stated, “The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza. It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.” The report also noted that these actions have occurred both within Gaza and against Palestinians detained in Israeli prisons.

The UK government, which had previously refrained from labeling the situation as genocide, has expressed significant criticisms of Israeli policies towards Palestinians. In response to the ongoing conflict, the UK suspended the arms licenses of 30 weapons believed to be used in violations of international humanitarian law.

The report details the dire humanitarian situation in Gaza, highlighting the blockade imposed by Israel that has resulted in severe deprivation of food and essential services. It also documented forced displacements, with many Palestinians repeatedly fleeing their homes due to escalating military operations. Since October, the report noted a staggering increase in miscarriages—up to 300 percent—and a rise in premature births and obstetric emergencies, attributed to hunger and inadequate healthcare.

The commission’s investigation included an examination of an attack on Gaza’s largest fertility clinic in December 2023, which reportedly led to the destruction of approximately 4,000 embryos, 1,000 sperm samples, and unfertilized eggs. The report’s findings suggest that the intent to commit genocide is supported by a consistent pattern of Israeli military actions and public statements from Israeli leaders.

Following the October 7 attacks by Hamas, which resulted in the deaths of 1,200 individuals in Israel and the abduction of around 250 hostages, Israeli military operations intensified in Gaza. According to the health ministry in Gaza, at least 64,905 people have been killed due to Israeli airstrikes.

The situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic, with famine declared in the largest city. Reports indicate that over 90 percent of homes have been damaged or destroyed, and children are among those suffering from starvation. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has controversially stated, “There is no such thing as the Palestinian people,” further inflaming tensions. He has characterized Palestinians as “two million Nazis” and suggested that success for Israel would involve the total destruction of the Gaza Strip, prompting mass emigration.

In response to the UN report, Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the findings as “distorted and false.” A spokesperson accused the commission’s experts of being biased and relying on what they termed “Hamas falsehoods.” The commission was established by the UN Human Rights Council, which Israel and the United States have boycotted, alleging a systematic bias against Israel.

Israel justifies its military actions as necessary for self-defense, aiming to protect its citizens and secure the release of hostages still held by Hamas. Some families of hostages have opposed any truce with Hamas, fearing that further military actions could jeopardize their loved ones’ safety.

Looking ahead, the likelihood of Israel altering its policies in light of the report seems minimal. Nonetheless, the findings add to the growing international condemnation of Israel’s military actions in Gaza. This situation may prompt countries to reconsider their support, possibly leading to further suspensions of arms or political backing.

Next week, the UK is expected to join nations like France and Canada in recognizing an independent Palestinian state at the United Nations. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has described this potential recognition as antisemitic and a reward for Hamas, indicating the widening rift among Israel’s allies. The UK and US have notably diverged in their approaches to the ongoing conflict, with a senior European official commenting on the bloc’s divisions regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza.