Gaza (Hornpost) The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has issued a three-page resolution stating that many of Israel’s actions during the 22-month war meet the legal criteria for genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity.
IAGS is the world’s largest global body of genocide experts, composed of many researchers with expertise in the Holocaust. The organization has about 500 members, but only about a quarter (28%) voted on the resolution, of whom a vast majority (86%) approved it.
The resolution highlights Israel’s policies and actions, including widespread attacks on vital civilian infrastructure such as healthcare, aid, and education facilities.
It also cites figures from UNICEF, noting that over 50,000 children have been killed or injured by Israeli attacks, severely impacting Gaza’s ability to survive and rebuild as a society.
The resolution further points to Israeli leaders expressed support for the forced expulsion of all Palestinians from Gaza, as well as the destruction of homes across the territory.
IAGS referenced statements from Israeli officials portraying Palestinians in Gaza as “inhuman” and labeling all residents as “the enemy”, along with vows to “flatten Gaza.”
While acknowledging Hamas’s October 7, 2023, attack that killed nearly 1,200 people and saw 251 others kidnapped, IAGS said Israel’s response went far beyond Hamas, directly targeting the entire civilian population of Gaza.
The 1948 UN Genocide Convention, passed in the aftermath of the Nazi Holocaust, defines genocide as crimes committed “with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.”
Major human rights organizations, including two Israeli groups, have also stated that they believe Israel is committing genocide.
The International Court of Justice (ICJ) — the UN’s top court — is currently hearing a case brought by South Africa in 2023 accusing Israel of genocide. The court has not yet ruled, but has given Israel until January 2026 to formally respond to the allegations.
Israel has dismissed the case as being motivated by “hatred against the Israeli people.”
IAGS clarified that its resolution will have no impact on international legal proceedings.
On Monday, Gaza’s Hamas-run Health Ministry reported 63,557 people killed and 160,660 wounded since the war began, though the figures do not distinguish between civilians and fighters.
In August, the UN-backed IPC confirmed famine conditions in parts of Gaza, blaming Israel for deliberately restricting the entry of food and medical aid.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the IAGS report, calling it based on “Hamas propaganda” and poor research, and labeling it “a disgrace to the legal profession.” A spokesperson added that Israel itself has been the victim of genocide.
Israel has repeatedly denied accusations of genocide or ethnic cleansing in Gaza, insisting its actions are measures of self-defense.
Source: BBC and Anadulo Agency
Hornpost staff Reporter
