Two of Israel’s most prominent human rights organizations have issued searing reports accusing the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza, marking the first time major domestic groups have made such a claim. The reports, released Monday by B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), assert that Israel’s military campaign and blockade have gone far beyond self-defence and amount to intentional destruction of Palestinian life and infrastructure, CNN reported.
‘A deeply painful moment for us’
B’Tselem’s 79-page report calls Israel’s actions a “genocide against Palestinians” rooted in deliberate policy, citing mass killings, forced displacement, collapse of basic services, and inflammatory statements by Israeli officials. Executive Director Yuli Novak said the realization was painful, but essential. “As Israelis and Palestinians who witness the reality every day, we have a duty to speak the truth clearly,” Novak said, calling the destruction in Gaza “our genocide.”
Medical group echoes the charge
PHRI backed B’Tselem’s conclusion with its own analysis, detailing what it calls the “systematic extermination of the health system” in Gaza. The group said the devastation was not collateral damage but the result of deliberate targeting of hospitals, clinics, and supply chains. “This is not about the fog of war,” PHRI stated, “but a policy aimed at harming the Palestinian population as a group.”
Israeli government rejects the accusations
The Israeli government swiftly rejected the genocide claims. A spokesperson dismissed the reports as “politically motivated,” asserting that Israel targets Hamas, not civilians, and allows humanitarian aid into Gaza. The Israeli military called the claims “entirely unfounded” and stressed it enables international organizations to deliver relief. Officials maintain that the war, launched after the October 7 Hamas attacks, is lawful and defensive.
Mounting international and domestic pressure
While Israel denies wrongdoing, criticism is rising. The UN, Amnesty International, and Human Rights Watch have all accused Israel of genocidal conduct. The International Court of Justice has said there is a “plausible risk” that genocide is occurring. Meanwhile, Israeli universities, activists, and global allies are voicing growing concern. On Monday, five Israeli university presidents urged Prime Minister Netanyahu to consider the humanitarian toll.
Gaza in collapse, world watching
The B’Tselem report paints a dire picture of Gaza’s collapse: children dying of malnutrition, health workers fainting on duty, and families living in tents without food, water, or medicine. It adds that Israel’s intent is clear not only from its actions but from statements by officials expressing support for forced displacement and destruction. B’Tselem also blamed Western governments, especially the US and Europe, for enabling the war through weapons shipments and diplomatic support.
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