New York: A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has found that several incidents of genocide have been committed by Israel against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. In its latest report, the UN Commission said that there is strong evidence that four out of five acts defined as genocide under international law have taken place in Gaza since Israel announced its war with Hamas in 2023. These incidents include killing members of the group, causing them severe mental and physical harm, creating conditions meant to destroy the group, and even taking actions to prevent births, Al Jazeera reported.

The enquiry cited Israeli leaders statements and actions taken by Israel Defence Force as evidence of genocide intent. The UN Independent International Comission of Inquiry regarding the Occupied Palestinian Territory which includes East Jerusalem and Israel, has requested Tel Aviv and all nations to fulfil their responsibilities under international law to “to end the genocide” and hold those responsible accountable.

What Did The UN Commission Of Enquiry Say?

Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission state that the UN enquiry has found out that Israel is responsible for genocides in Gaza Strip. “The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza.” It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention,” Pillay said.

HIGHLIGHTS

• A UN Commission of Inquiry has found strong evidence that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
• The report cites statements by Israeli leaders and actions taken by Israeli forces as proof of genocidal intent.
• Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission said Israel’s actions clearly meet the criteria of the Genocide Convention.
• Israel’s foreign ministry has categorically rejected the UN report.

Why Did Human Rights Council’s 47 Member States Appoint Members?

While holding a press conference in Geneva, members, who were appointed by the Human Rights Council’s 47 Member States, stated that they initiated a thorough probe when Hamas-led terror attacks in Israel on October 7, 2023. The investigation revealed that the government of Israel and security forces “committed four of the five genocidal acts defined by the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.” Notably, the members, who conducted the enquiry, are not the part of UN Commission.

How Did Israel Respond To The UN Commission Of Enquiry?

The foreign ministry of Israel categorically rejected the enquiry report of the Commission. The ministry stated that the enquiry is “distorted and false”, Al Jazeera reported.