Amnesty International Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza
Amnesty International has released a damning report accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip amid ongoing military operations against Hamas. The 300-page document, titled 'You feel like you are subhuman: Israel's genocide against the Palestinian population in Gaza', details extensive violations of human rights and humanitarian law, asserting that Israel's actions amount to a deliberate attempt to destroy the Palestinian population. The report, which includes interviews with 212 individuals in Gaza and analysis of military strikes, claims that between October 2023 and July 2024, Israel has inflicted conditions leading to a 'slow and calculated death' of Palestinians.
The report highlights specific incidents, including airstrikes that resulted in the deaths of 334 civilians, including 141 children, with no evidence that these strikes targeted military objectives. Amnesty International's Secretary General, Agnès Callamard, emphasized that these findings should serve as a wake-up call to the international community, urging states to reconsider their military support to Israel, which could make them complicit in genocide. The organization has called for the International Criminal Court to investigate these allegations further.
Internal Divisions and International Reactions
The release of the report has led to significant internal strife within Amnesty International, particularly within its Israeli branch, which has publicly rejected the genocide claims, stating that the report's authors reached a 'predetermined conclusion.' This dissent has resulted in the resignation of the president of Amnesty Israel and two Palestinian officials. In contrast, the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have praised the findings, calling for accountability for Israel's actions.
Israel has vehemently denied the accusations, labeling the report as false and anti-Semitic. The Israeli government argues that its military operations are legitimate responses to Hamas's attacks, which began on October 7, 2023, and that its actions are in compliance with international law. Israeli officials have also pointed to the presence of Hamas fighters in civilian areas as justification for their military strategy.
Internationally, the United States and other allies have supported Israel's stance, dismissing the genocide allegations as unfounded. However, the report adds to a growing chorus of voices, including Pope Francis and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, who have called for investigations into Israel's actions in Gaza. As the humanitarian crisis deepens, with over 44,500 reported deaths and widespread displacement, the international community faces increasing pressure to address the situation and ensure the protection of civilians in Gaza.
