A United Nations independent Commission of Inquiry (COI) has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, stating its campaign has "the specific intent to destroy the Palestinian group." The 72-page report, led by former ICC judge Navi Pillay, highlights a staggering death toll of nearly 65,000 people and warns of a full-blown famine in Gaza City.
The Commission identified four of the five genocidal acts under the 1948 Genocide Convention:
- Killing members of the group
- Causing serious bodily or mental harm
- Inflicting life conditions to bring about physical destruction
- Imposing measures intended to prevent births
Pillay emphasized that explicit statements by Israeli authorities, including a letter from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu likening the Gaza operation to a "holy war of total annihilation," demonstrate intent. The report also names President Isaac Herzog and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for incitement, noting no measures have been taken against them.
Since the war began after Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack, the vast majority of Gazans have been displaced at least once. With mass displacement underway and famine conditions intensifying, the Commission warns that international inaction risks complicity in further atrocity crimes.
Despite Israel's "categorical rejection" of the report, the findings are set to increase diplomatic pressure and inform future legal proceedings at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. For globally minded readers—from tech enthusiasts using open-source tools to track the crisis, to activists and digital nomads seeking sustainable peace—the Commission's conclusions underscore the urgent need for accountability and humanitarian action.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
