Gaza Conflict: Experts Weigh In on Genocide Claims

A group of experts who study genocide has made a bold statement. They say Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

The International Association of Genocide Scholars

• Members: Around 500 worldwide, many experts in the Holocaust.
• Resolution: 86% of voting members supported the statement.
• Claims: Israel's actions fit the legal definition of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
• President's Statement: Melanie O'Brien says experts can see the situation for what it is.

Legal Definition of Genocide

• 1948 Convention: Includes acts meant to destroy a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.
• UN and Western Countries: Only a court can decide if genocide has happened.
• Current Case: Before the U.N.'s highest court.

Israel's Response

• Denial: Calls the accusation an antisemitic "blood libel."
• Hamas Attack: Points to the October 7, 2023, attack where Hamas killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages.
• Current Hostages: 48 still in Gaza, with around 20 believed to be alive.

Impact of Israel's Offensive

• Destruction: Widespread in Gaza since October 7, 2023.
• Displacement: Most of the 2 million people in Gaza have been displaced.
• Casualties: Over 63,000 Palestinians have died, according to Gaza's Health Ministry.
• Civilians: Around half of the dead are women and children.

Israel's Stance

• Avoiding Harm: Says it tries to avoid harming civilians.
• Blames Hamas: For civilian deaths due to fighting in densely populated areas.
• Hostages: Says Hamas is prolonging the war by not surrendering and releasing hostages.
• Military Capability: Supporters say Israel could kill far more Palestinians if it wanted to.
• Scholars' View: No numerical threshold for the crime of genocide.

Previous Statements by the Group

• China: Treatment of Uighurs meets the threshold for genocide.
• Myanmar: Crackdown on Rohingya Muslims meets the threshold.
• Iran: 2006 statement by then-President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad had "genocidal intent."
• Israeli Rights Groups: In July, two prominent groups also said Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

South Africa's Accusation

• Breach of Genocide Convention: At the International Court of Justice.
• Israel's Response: Rejects the accusation.
• Final Ruling: Could take years.
• Enforcement: The court does not have a police force to enforce its rulings.

U.N. Security Council's Role

• Tools: Range from sanctions to authorizing military action.
• Requirements: Support from at least nine of 15 council nations, no veto by a permanent member.
• U.S. Stance: Israel's staunchest backer, does not believe genocide is taking place.