The Digest:
A United Nations commission has formally accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, marking the first time a UN body has made such a definitive public allegation. The report, released by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, states that Israel’s actions meet the legal criteria for genocide under international law.
Key Points
- The commission found Israel committed four of the five acts defined by the Genocide Convention, including killing Palestinians, causing serious bodily/mental harm, imposing inhumane conditions, and preventing births.
- Israeli leaders, including Netanyahu and Gallant, are accused of inciting genocide.
- The report cites the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare system, attacks on fertility clinics, and sexual violence by Israeli forces.
- Israel dismissed the report as “distorted and false,” claiming it relies on Hamas propaganda.
- Nearly 65,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health officials.
- The commission urges nations to halt weapons transfers to Israel and demands unrestricted aid access to Gaza.
- The US and UK have previously rejected genocide claims, highlighting the report’s divisive impact.
The UN’s historic genocide declaration escalates legal and moral pressure on Israel and its allies, deepening global fault lines over justice, accountability, and war in Gaza.
Sources: Sky News, UN Commission Report
