UN Commission Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza
An independent UN commission has concluded that Israeli authorities are committing genocide in Gaza. The commission's report, published on September 17 in the Italian partner medium 'Il Manifesto', has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Herzog, and ministers Bezalel Smotrich and Itamar Ben Gvir of directly inciting genocide crimes since January 26, 2024. The commission urges states to take action and prevent further atrocities.
The commission found that four out of five acts defined in the UN Genocide Convention are being committed with intent to destroy a specific group. This aligns with numerous other reports, including some from Israeli organizations. The commission's report could provide the ICC with new leads to expand investigations and enhance charges against Israeli officials. The commission also urges states to combat US sanctions against ICC prosecutors and judges to ensure the court's proper functioning.
Since the International Court of Justice's call on January 26, 2024, no specific states have been publicly confirmed to have fully fulfilled their obligations or taken full responsibility to prevent genocide in Palestine. However, some important arms suppliers like Germany have reportedly restricted arms exports to Israel. Multiple Arab and Muslim-majority states, such as Qatar, Jordan, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, Pakistan, and Indonesia, have expressed willingness to cooperate on peace initiatives. The commission calls on states to intervene as third parties in proceedings against Israel before the ICJ and support the ICC.
The commission's report serves as a stark reminder of Israel's obligations under international law to prevent genocide. States worldwide must now take concrete steps to hold Israel accountable, support the ICC, and work towards a peaceful resolution in Gaza.
