In brief
In a recent resolution, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) claims that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, highlighting attacks on healthcare and education, and a significant number of civilian casualties. The Israeli government disputes these allegations, framing its military actions as necessary for self-defense. The ongoing conflict has resulted in immense humanitarian crises, with reports of famine and widespread destruction in the territory.
The world's leading association of genocide scholars has declared that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
A resolution passed by the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) states that Israel's conduct meets the legal definition as laid out in the UN convention on genocide.
Across a three-page resolution, the IAGS presents a litany of actions undertaken by Israel throughout the 22-month-long war that it recognizes as constituting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
The IAGS, the largest professional association of genocide scholars and including Holocaust experts, noted that 86% of the 28% of its members who voted supported the resolution.
The declaration highlights increasing attacks on personnel and facilities critical for survival, particularly in the healthcare, aid, and educational sectors of Gaza.
It also mentions the tragic loss of approximately 50,000 children, potentially impacting the future of the Palestinian population.
Moreover, the resolution underscores calls for the forced expulsion of Palestinians from Gaza and the extensive demolition of housing.
IAGS referenced statements by Israeli leaders that dehumanize Palestinians, vowing to transform Gaza into hell and promising to flatten the region.
In response to the claims, the Israeli Foreign Ministry criticized the report as based on Hamas lies and poor research, arguing that it is Israel that faces a genocidal threat.
Israel justifies its military actions in Gaza as necessary for self-defense following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack that claimed 1,200 lives.
The IAGS argues that Israel's retaliatory actions have indiscriminately targeted the broader Gazan population rather than just Hamas.
The 1948 UN Genocide Convention defines genocide as acts intended to destroy, wholly or partly, a national or ethnic group.
Several human rights organizations, including two Israeli bodies, also allege that genocide is occurring, although the UN requires a formal court ruling for official recognition.
The International Court of Justice is currently assessing a genocide case presented by South Africa against Israel but has yet to reach a decision.
Recent reports from the Hamas-run Ministry of Health indicate over 63,000 deaths and 160,000 injuries since the conflict intensified, while the situation continues to deteriorate with reports of famine due to restrictions on food and medical aid.
