The world’s foremost association of genocide scholars has declared that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide, according to a resolution passed by its members, Reuters reported.
The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), which has around 500 members, said 86 percent of those who voted supported the resolution. It stated: “Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide in Article II of the United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide (1948).”
Israel’s foreign ministry has yet to issue a response. In the past, Israeli officials have rejected accusations of genocide, maintaining that the country’s military operations in Gaza are acts of self-defense. Israel is currently contesting a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, where it faces formal charges of committing genocide against Palestinians.
The Israeli foreign ministry has not immediately responded to the development. Israel has consistently rejected allegations of genocide, insisting its actions in Gaza are a legitimate exercise of self-defense against Hamas. Officials have argued that the military’s objective is to weaken militant capabilities, not to target civilians.
The resolution comes against the backdrop of international legal proceedings. Israel is already facing a case at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague, brought forward by South Africa, which accuses it of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. While Israel has contested the charges, the ICJ in a preliminary ruling earlier this year ordered it to take all measures within its power to prevent genocidal acts.
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