Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians during its military campaign in Gaza, a charge Israel vehemently denies. In a report released on Thursday, the London-based human rights organization stated that its months-long investigation into incidents and statements from Israeli officials met the legal criteria for genocide, marking the first time Amnesty has made such an accusation during an active conflict.
Genocide Allegation Based on Legal Threshold
The 1948 Genocide Convention defines genocide as acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. Amnesty’s report claims that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet this legal standard, based on documented killings, serious harm, and the creation of living conditions designed to destroy Palestinians as a group. The report cites over 100 statements from Israeli officials in support of this conclusion.
Israel Denies Genocide Accusation
Israel has strongly rejected the accusation, with Foreign Ministry spokesperson Oren Marmorstein labeling the report as “fabricated” and based on “lies.” Marmorstein emphasized Israel’s right to defend itself following the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took over 250 hostages. He pointed to the attack as a “genocidal massacre” committed by Hamas, not Israel.
Amnesty’s Thorough Investigation
Amnesty International Secretary General Agnes Callamard presented the findings in The Hague, stating that the organization’s conclusion was not politically motivated but based on thorough research. She emphasized, “There is no doubt, not one doubt in our mind” that genocide is being committed. Amnesty contends that Israel’s military operations since the October Hamas attack have caused the deaths of more than 44,500 Palestinians and have led to widespread displacement across Gaza.
Call for ICC Investigation
Amnesty also urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged genocide, following the court’s earlier issuance of arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense chief for war crimes in the Gaza conflict.
As the war continues, both the accusations and the ongoing investigation into alleged war crimes further escalate tensions, with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza intensifying daily.
