Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, asserting that its military actions meet the criteria outlined in the 1948 Genocide Convention. In a detailed report titled “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman”: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, Amnesty presents evidence of indiscriminate civilian killings, serious harm to civilians, and conditions imposed to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians in Gaza.
The report, based on months of research, witness interviews, satellite imagery analysis, and official statements, claims Israel’s actions demonstrate intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza. Amnesty’s Secretary-General Agnes Callamard stated, “Our findings reveal a consistent pattern of genocidal acts, with Israel aware of the irreparable harm it is inflicting.”
Amnesty criticized Israel for ignoring international warnings and legally binding directives from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to provide humanitarian aid to Gaza’s civilians. Callamard called the situation a “wake-up call to the international community,” urging immediate action to stop the alleged genocide.
Evidence of Genocidal Intent
Amnesty reviewed over 100 statements by Israeli officials, including 22 from senior leaders managing the war, which they claim explicitly dehumanized Palestinians and justified genocidal acts. These statements, the report alleges, were often mirrored by soldiers on the ground, celebrating the destruction of Palestinian homes, schools, and mosques.
Amnesty dismissed Israel’s claims that its military targets Hamas fighters embedded within civilian populations. The report argued that this justification does not absolve Israel of its responsibility to avoid disproportionate attacks and protect civilians.
Amnesty also found no evidence that alleged diversion of humanitarian aid by Gaza-based armed groups justified Israel’s severe restrictions on life-saving assistance to the region’s civilian population.
International Criticism and Reaction
Israel’s foreign ministry rejected the report as “false” and based on fabrications, accusing Amnesty of bias. Israeli officials maintain that their military actions are defensive, aimed at neutralizing Hamas after the October 7 attacks, and allege that criticism of their operations amounts to anti-Semitism.
Callamard also criticized the international community for its failure to press Israel to end its actions in Gaza. She condemned the delay in ceasefire calls and continued arms shipments to Israel, labeling it a “shameful failure.”
“This genocide is enabled by decades of impunity for Israel’s violations of international law,” Callamard said, urging governments to take decisive action and end what Amnesty calls “atrocities in Gaza.”
The report’s findings have sparked further debate on the global response to the humanitarian crisis and accountability in the Gaza conflict.
Source: Al Jazeera