THE HAGUE, Netherlands (RTW News) — The International Association of Genocide Scholars has formally accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a statement that may further isolate the nation in the realm of global public opinion. The organization, which boasts around 500 members including experts on the Holocaust, voted overwhelmingly—86% in favor—to support this claim, emphasizing the severity of Israel's military actions.
According to Melanie O’Brien, President of the organization and a professor of international law, the scholars believe Israel's policies meet the legal definitions established in international law for genocide, as well as war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“Experts in the field can recognize the nature of this situation,” stated O’Brien. The group's resolution comes at a time when a growing number of international voices, including various human rights organizations, have criticized Israel’s military actions in Gaza.
Since October 7, 2023, following a significant assault by Hamas in which approximately 1,200 individuals were killed—largely civilians—Israel has carried out extensive military operations in Gaza, resulting in a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. Reports from Gaza’s Health Ministry indicate that over 63,000 Palestinians have died during the conflict, with many of the casualties being women and children.
Israel, which asserts its military strategy targets Hamas militants embedded within civilian population centers, continues to refute claims of genocide, labeling them as anti-Semitic propaganda. In contrast, the organization’s assertion aligns with wider accusations from several rights groups, including B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, who have also claimed genocide.
The laborious back-and-forth over accusations of genocide is further complicated as Israel emphasizes that it is acting in self-defense following violent attacks from Hamas. Nevertheless, the international response has grown increasingly critical, with calls for accountability and intervention echoing across diplomatic platforms.
In this increasingly polarizing situation, the aftermath and implicational ramifications of the International Court of Justice's handling of cases related to these allegations could take years, underlining the urgent need for global dialogue and resolution on the matter.
