Israel faces serious accusations of committing "genocidal acts" against Palestinians during the ongoing conflict in Gaza, according to a report from a United Nations commission. This report highlights various violations against Palestinian individuals, including women, men, girls, and boys, since the conflict escalated on October 7, 2023. Israel has firmly denied these allegations, calling them unfounded.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory reported that Israeli authorities have significantly harmed the reproductive health of Palestinians in Gaza. The commission claims this was achieved by destroying healthcare facilities for women and implementing measures that could prevent births, which are classified as genocidal acts under international law.
The report also notes a worrying rise in maternal deaths due to limited access to medical supplies, suggesting this could amount to the crime against humanity of extermination. Additionally, it details disturbing accounts of sexual violence against Palestinian men and boys, including humiliating treatment and assaults targeting their sexual and reproductive organs. The commission states that such acts of "sexualized torture" appear to be encouraged by Israel’s leadership.
Navi Pillay, the chair of the commission, expressed grave concern over the increase in sexual and gender-based violence, asserting that these actions are intended to instill fear and maintain oppression of the Palestinian people.
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the report as biased and antisemitic, arguing that it overlooks the actions of Hamas, which he describes as a terrorist organization. Israel’s permanent mission to the UN in Geneva also rejected the findings, asserting that the Israeli Defense Forces have strict policies against misconduct.
This report follows a previous one from June, which accused Hamas of serious rights violations during their surprise attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023. Israel is a signatory to the Genocide Convention and was ordered by the International Court of Justice to take measures to prevent genocide during its conflict with Hamas.
In a related development, South Africa has initiated a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, further escalating the international scrutiny of Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The situation remains tense, with accusations flying from both sides, and the international community closely monitoring the ongoing conflict.