A United Nations commission investigating the 2023 Gaza conflict has found “reasonable grounds” to accuse Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians.
The report alleges that Israeli forces have carried out four of the five genocidal acts defined under international law: killing, causing serious harm, deliberately inflicting destructive living conditions, and preventing births.
The panel, led by former UN human rights chief Navi Pillay, points to statements by Israeli leaders and military actions as evidence of genocidal intent. Notably, speeches by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other officials included threats to “turn Gaza into rubble” and described Palestinians as collectively responsible.
Since the Hamas attack on Israel in October 2023, which killed around 1,200 Israelis and led to hostage-taking, Israeli military operations have killed more than 64,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to local health authorities. The territory faces widespread destruction, displacement, and a declared famine amid collapsed infrastructure.
Israel strongly rejects the findings, calling the report “distorted and false” and accusing the commission of bias and reliance on Hamas misinformation. Israeli officials maintain their operations are acts of self-defense aimed at defeating Hamas and protecting civilians.
The commission, however, concludes that Israeli authorities bear responsibility not only for genocide but also for failing to prevent and punish it. It urges the international community to act against what it calls ongoing crimes.
Meanwhile, global human rights groups continue to voice alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis.
