THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP) — The largest professional organization of scholars studying genocide, the International Association of Genocide Scholars, announced on Monday that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. This assertion could further isolate Israel in global public opinion and aligns with a growing chorus of NGOs labeling Israel's actions in the region as genocidal, a claim Israel has consistently rejected.
The group's resolution, which was supported by 86% of members, states that 'Israel's policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide,' as well as crimes against humanity and war crimes. Melanie O’Brien, the organization's president and a professor of international law, emphasized that experts can see the situation clearly.
Genocide, defined by a 1948 convention, refers to acts committed with the intent to destroy a specific national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. The United Nations insists that only a court can determine whether genocide has occurred, and a case against Israel is currently before the International Court of Justice.
Israel, established partly as a refuge following the Holocaust, staunchly denies these accusations, branding them as antisemitic 'blood libel'. It argues that Hamas's attack on October 7, which resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, is itself a genocidal act.
Since the outbreak of intense hostilities, the situation in Gaza has worsened, with devastated infrastructure and numerous civilian displacements reported. Gaza's Health Ministry claims over 63,000 Palestinians have died as a result of ongoing violence, with approximately half identified as women and children.
Although Israel contends that it seeks to protect civilians, it blames Hamas for conducting operations in densely populated areas, which complicates military responses. Israel's supporters argue that its military capacity could inflict far more damage if it were inclined to do so.
The debate over Israel's actions continues, with several international human rights groups joining the call for accountability based on the allegations of genocide. A pending ruling from the International Court of Justice could take years, but accusations persistently challenge Israel's international standing.
The group's resolution, which was supported by 86% of members, states that 'Israel's policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide,' as well as crimes against humanity and war crimes. Melanie O’Brien, the organization's president and a professor of international law, emphasized that experts can see the situation clearly.
Genocide, defined by a 1948 convention, refers to acts committed with the intent to destroy a specific national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. The United Nations insists that only a court can determine whether genocide has occurred, and a case against Israel is currently before the International Court of Justice.
Israel, established partly as a refuge following the Holocaust, staunchly denies these accusations, branding them as antisemitic 'blood libel'. It argues that Hamas's attack on October 7, which resulted in the death of approximately 1,200 people, most of whom were civilians, is itself a genocidal act.
Since the outbreak of intense hostilities, the situation in Gaza has worsened, with devastated infrastructure and numerous civilian displacements reported. Gaza's Health Ministry claims over 63,000 Palestinians have died as a result of ongoing violence, with approximately half identified as women and children.
Although Israel contends that it seeks to protect civilians, it blames Hamas for conducting operations in densely populated areas, which complicates military responses. Israel's supporters argue that its military capacity could inflict far more damage if it were inclined to do so.
The debate over Israel's actions continues, with several international human rights groups joining the call for accountability based on the allegations of genocide. A pending ruling from the International Court of Justice could take years, but accusations persistently challenge Israel's international standing.
