Gaza predicament labeled as ethically, politically, and legally unacceptable by U.N. head Guterres
In a shocking revelation, a United Nations (UN) report has found that Israel has committed and continues to commit acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The report, however, does not represent the UN's official position on whether acts of genocide have been carried out in Gaza.
The report, which has sparked international controversy, cites the Israeli government and links actions to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, including a November 2023 letter attributed to him describing the operation as a 'holy war of total destruction' against Hamas. Incitement to commit genocide is also attributed to President Isaac Herzog and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant.
The UN report has been met with a mixed response. It has been immediately attacked by Israel, which calls it 'distorted and false.' However, it has been widely welcomed by Palestinians and their supporters, who see it as a damning indictment of Israel's actions. The UK government, in particular, has come under pressure to take a tougher stance against Israel, with civil society organizations, including the British Palestinian Committee and Palestine Solidarity Campaign, accusing the UK government of complicity in Israel's crimes.
The report has also sparked concern from other countries. The French presidency has expressed concern over Israel's recent strikes on Qatar that targeted Hamas leaders, and has stated that the conference aims to convince the US of the 'absolute urgency' to end the war in Gaza. Major countries, including Canada, Australia, Belgium, and Portugal, have committed to recognizing Palestine at the Sept. 22 conference, which is being jointly hosted by Saudi Arabia and France at the UN headquarters.
The UN secretary-general, Antonio Guterres, has condemned the 'systematic destruction' of Gaza City. However, he has clarified that it is not his role to determine if Israel is committing genocide. The International Association of Genocide Scholars, on the other hand, has passed a resolution stating that Israel's conduct meets the legal definition of genocide.
Zarah Sultana, a left-wing parliamentarian, has stated that the report confirms Israel's genocide in Gaza. David Lammy, a former Foreign Secretary, has written that the government has not concluded that Israel is acting with genocidal intent. A spokesperson for the UK Foreign Office has stated that any formal determination as to whether genocide has occurred should be made by a competent national or international court.
The report found that Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts defined by the Genocide Convention. These acts include killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the group's physical destruction, and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.
The UN General Assembly has also voted in favor of reviving the two-state solution between Israel and Palestine without involving Hamas. The international community will be closely watching developments in Gaza and the region as a whole in the coming days and weeks.
