Amnesty International, a human rights group, has determined that Israel’s actions in Gaza qualify as genocide, as stated in a new report.
The report, titled “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman”: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, was published on Thursday following months of research by Amnesty. This research included witness interviews, analysis of evidence like satellite imagery, and statements from senior Israeli officials.
Amnesty found that the Israeli military has engaged in at least three of the five acts prohibited by the 1948 Genocide Convention, such as indiscriminate killings of civilians and causing harm to Palestinians in Gaza.
Secretary-General Agnes Callamard stated, “Israel’s treatment of Palestinians in Gaza as subhuman is a clear indication of their intent to physically destroy them.”
Callamard emphasized the urgent need for the international community to take action to stop these genocidal acts committed by Israel.
In light of the ongoing Israeli military occupation and other factors, Amnesty concluded that Israel’s intent is the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza.
Seismic, shameful failure
Amnesty rejected Israel’s argument that they are only targeting combatants and not civilians in Gaza, stating that their actions do not comply with international law.
The report found that despite allegations of humanitarian aid diversion in Gaza, this did not justify Israel’s severe restrictions on life-saving aid in the territory.
Israeli authorities have yet to respond to the Amnesty report, while officials have denied allegations of genocide and defended their actions in Gaza as self-defence.
Amnesty noted that senior Israeli officials made statements prior to the crimes in Gaza that appeared to call for genocidal acts, showing a clear intent.
Callamard criticized the international community for failing to intervene and stop the atrocities in Gaza, calling it a shameful failure that must be addressed.
She urged governments to take strong and sustained action to end this genocide and hold Israel accountable for its violations of international law.
