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THE WORLD’S LEADING association of genocide scholars has formally declared that Israel’s ongoing actions in Gaza constitute genocide.
The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), a 500-member body of academics, historians, lawyers and human rights specialists, has voted overwhelmingly in favour of a new resolution.
It states that Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 UN Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
86 per cent of members who took part in the ballot backed the resolution, which spans three pages and sets out a litany of Israeli actions during the last 22 months that the scholars say constitute genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
“These crimes include deliberate attacks on civilians, including children, starvation, deprivation of humanitarian aid, water, fuel, and other essentials, sexual and reproductive violence, and forced displacement of the population,” the resolution states.
The document cites the destruction of Gaza’s healthcare, education and food systems, the killing or injury of more than 50,000 children, the near-total demolition of housing, and the forced displacement of nearly the entire population of 2.3 million as evidence of genocidal intent.
It also points to repeated statements from Israeli political and military leaders describing Palestinians as “human animals,” vowing to “flatten Gaza” and turn it into “hell,” and endorsing plans for permanent expulsion.
The resolution further notes that the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former defence minister Yoav Gallant, charging them with crimes including the starvation of civilians and intentional attacks on civilian populations.
The International Court of Justice has also accused Israel of committing genocide.
The IAGS has previously issued resolutions recognising genocides in Armenia, Rwanda, Bosnia and Myanmar.
While its declaration has no legal force, its members say it is an expert consensus that should guide governments and courts.
Israel’s foreign ministry dismissed the resolution, calling it “an embarrassment to the legal profession” and accusing the scholars of relying on “Hamas lies.”
Israeli officials maintain that their actions in Gaza are legitimate self-defence, and say it is Israel itself that faces genocidal threats.
Since October 2023, more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities, and most of the territory has been reduced to rubble.
A UN-backed food security monitor confirmed last week that there is man-made famine in parts of Gaza, which humanitarian agencies say is a direct consequence of Israel’s restrictions on aid.
The IAGS called on Israel to immediately cease its campaign, comply with international court rulings, and allow humanitarian aid into Gaza.
It also urged UN member states to uphold their obligations under the Genocide Convention, including preventing the supply of arms used to commit atrocities.
Israel launched strikes across Gaza today, killing at least 31 people.
Israeli forces are currently pressing ahead with assaults on Gaza city, according to health officials.
Airstrikes and artillery shelling have echoed through Gaza City since Israel declared it a combat zone last week.
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