The International Association of Genocide Scholars, the largest global organisation dedicated to the study of genocide, has declared that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. This resolution was passed with significant support from its members, many of whom have expertise in Holocaust studies, potentially shaping global perspectives on Israel’s conduct in the ongoing conflict.
In response, Israel has dismissed the allegations as a distortion and an affront to legal integrity. The Association’s findings claim that Israel’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide, asserting that the country’s military operations in Gaza involve deliberate attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure. Professor Melanie O’Brien, the group’s president, emphasised the ability of genocide experts to discern the situation’s grave implications.
The current hostilities began following an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of around 1,200 people, primarily civilians. Israel’s retaliatory actions have reportedly led to significant destruction throughout Gaza, displacing millions and resulting in over 63,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to official sources from Gaza. However, Israel contests these statistics without presenting alternative figures.
The resolution from the scholars also acknowledges that Hamas’ initial attack constitutes an international crime. In 1948, genocide was legally defined as acts with the intent to partially or wholly destroy national, ethnic, racial, or religious groups. The discussion surrounding the classification of Israel’s actions is further complicated by ongoing legal considerations at the United Nations.
Israel, asserting its right to defend itself, firmly denies any allegations of genocide, labelling the scholarship as an unprecedented inversion of victimhood, especially given the historical context of Jewish suffering during the Holocaust.
Recent statements by Israeli human rights organisations have also pointed to a potential genocidal framework within Israel’s Gaza strategy, representing a shift in local discourse, although such views do not reflect the majority opinion within Israel. This situation has prompted international human rights bodies to echo similar concerns.
Furthermore, South Africa has initiated claims against Israel at the International Court of Justice, alleging violations of the Genocide Convention—a claim Israel has firmly rejected. While the Court lacks enforcement capabilities, outcomes can lead to security recommendations involving sanctions or military action, yet such decisions would require consensus from the UN Security Council, where vetoes from permanent members, including the US, may obstruct action.
The discourse around these allegations highlights a deepening global divide regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, with calls for accountability intensifying amidst escalating violence.