Israeli Human Rights Groups Declare Gaza Actions as Genocide

B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel have publicly accused the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza through systematic targeting of civilians and infrastructure. Despite the allegations, Israel denies the claims, asserting its military actions are focused on combating Hamas.

In a significant development, two leading Israeli human rights organizations have leveled grave accusations against the Israeli government, alleging that its actions in the ongoing conflict in Gaza amount to genocide against the Palestinian population. B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) unveiled their findings during a press conference in Jerusalem, presenting reports that reflect 21 months of ongoing hostilities.

The organizations, both of which have long histories of advocacy in Israel, issued a joint statement emphasizing the urgency of accurately addressing these severe allegations amidst the devastating circumstances in Gaza. “In these dark times, it is crucial to call things by their name,” they stated, urging immediate action to halt what they describe as a crime against humanity.

In response to the accusations, an Israeli government spokesperson vehemently rejected the claims of genocide. David Mencer stated, “Our defense forces target terrorists; we do not target civilians. The suffering in Gaza is ultimately the responsibility of Hamas.” According to Mencer, the Israeli military's objective remains focused on dismantling terrorist threats rather than inflicting harm upon the civilian populace.

During the press conference, B'Tselem's executive director, Yuli Novak, expressed the emotional weight of producing a report on such serious allegations, which she never expected to have to write. Their 88-page report concludes a coordinated action by Israel to intentionally eliminate Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip based on both their policy review and testimonies from Israeli officials.

Complementing B'Tselem’s findings, PHRI released a detailed 65-page legal analysis claiming that Israel has systematically targeted Gaza's healthcare infrastructure. The report describes a calculated campaign involving direct assaults on hospitals, obstruction of medical assistance, and the detention of healthcare professionals, suggesting an intentional dismantling of the health systems crucial for survival in Gaza.

Dr. Guy Shalev, the executive director of PHRI, stressed the necessity for the global health community to address the situation, stating that silence in the face of such alleged atrocities is unacceptable. Citing the violent Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties, the organizations noted that this incident triggered harm and trauma among Israelis. However, they contended that Israel's retaliatory measures have exacerbated the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

Furthermore, the reports draw parallels between the situation in Gaza and the definitions outlined in the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, to which Israel is a signatory. The International Court of Justice is presently reviewing allegations from South Africa that Israeli forces are committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel's government has dismissed these claims as baseless and a distortion of facts.

Both organizations fear possible repercussions for their findings and calls for accountability. Novak shared her own struggles with the revelation that Israel may be perpetrating genocide, acknowledging the profound emotional toll of such a realization on their national identity. Tragically, since the onset of conflict following the October attacks, Gaza's health ministry reports that over 59,900 casualties have occurred, highlighting the ongoing humanitarian crisis and escalating violence in the region.