UN Report says Israel committing genocide — world urged to act

An independent international commission of inquiry established by the United Nations has urged member states to use all available legal and diplomatic means to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza. Member states are to provide broad support for the Palestinian people’s right to self-determination and the establishment of an independent state according to the UN report.

UN report accuses Israel of genocide and names top officials as inciters

The commission, formed by the Human Rights Council, submitted its report on Tuesday to the Third Committee of the UN General Assembly, which deals with social, humanitarian, and human rights issues. The findings, initially published on September 16, accuse Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The report states that Israel carried out four acts that meet the definition of genocide as outlined in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, with the intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza. It also notes that the Israeli president, prime minister, and former defence minister, Yoav Gallant, “publicly incited” the commission of this crime.

In a recorded video statement, the Chair of the Commission, Navi Pillay, stressed the need for member states to prioritise holding perpetrators of violations accountable by supporting the International Criminal Court’s investigations and applying the principle of universal jurisdiction to pursue those implicated among their dual nationals.

Pillay added that the recent ceasefire:

may postpone the implementation of Israel’s territorial objectives in Gaza, but it has not ended the changes it has imposed on the ground.

And, Pillay noted that statements by Israeli leaders “confirm their continued intention to impose a new demographic reality in the Gaza Strip.”

UN: Israel pursuing permanent military control and demographic fragmentation of Gaza

The Commission explained in its report that Israel has sought to impose permanent military control over Gaza, destroying civilian infrastructure and essential resources vital to the population’s survival, while carrying out forced displacement and the geographic fragmentation of the Strip. It also noted that Israeli officials have publicly supported plans for settlement construction and the annexation of territory.

Pillay concluded by stating that the international community has both a moral and legal obligation to end these grave violations and to “ensure justice and accountability for all Palestinian victims.”

Featured image via the United Nations