UN special committee considers Israel‘s war on Gaza as ‘characteristic elements of genocide’
In a report published on Thursday and covering the period from October 2023 to July 2024, a special United Nations committee, composed of representatives of Malaysia, Senegal and Sri Lanka, estimates that “Israeli Policies and Practices” applied in the Gaza Strip following the deadly Hamas attack on Israel on 7 October 2023 “characteristic elements of a genocide”.
“Through the siege of Gaza, obstruction of humanitarian aid, targeted attacks and killings of civilians and aid workers, despite repeated calls from the United Nations, binding orders of the International Court of Justice and resolutions of the Council of security, Israel intentionally causes death, starvation and serious injury.”the commission also believes in the press release accompanying the report.
The authors point out that they were unable to travel to the Palestinian territories. The findings are based on consultations held in Geneva and meetings in Amman, Jordan, with government officials, representatives of United Nations agencies, NGO leaders, human rights defenders and Palestinian families.
This UN special committee, created in 1968, is responsible for investigating Israeli practices in the occupied Palestinian territories. The report will be presented to the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Monday. Contacted by Agence France-Presse, the Israeli authorities had not reacted to this publication by late afternoon.
For its part, Washington disapproved “unequivocally” the conclusions of the report. “We believe that these types of formulations and these types of accusations are certainly unfounded”said State Department spokesman Vedant Patel.
How does the international community typically respond to reports accusing a state of genocide or serious human rights violations?
The United Nations General Assembly, the actions of the Israeli government illustrate a systematic and sustained policy of violence against the Palestinian people,” the committee asserted in its findings.
Time.news Editor: Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Amir Farhan, an esteemed expert in international law and human rights. Your insights on the recent UN report highlighting Israel’s actions in Gaza as potentially genocidal are incredibly vital. To start, could you summarize the key findings of this report?
Dr. Amir Farhan: Certainly, and thank you for having me. The UN special committee, which includes representatives from Malaysia, Senegal, and Sri Lanka, issued a striking report focusing on the Israeli policies in Gaza from October 2023 to July 2024. They assert that Israel’s actions following the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, embody elements characteristic of genocide. This conclusion is based on Israel’s siege of Gaza, the intentional obstruction of humanitarian aid, and targeted attacks on civilians, including aid workers. The committee emphasized that these actions persist despite multiple United Nations calls for restraint and compliance with international law.
Time.news Editor: That’s a very serious accusation. What criteria did the committee use to reach the conclusion of “characteristic elements of genocide”?
Dr. Amir Farhan: The concept of genocide is defined under international law, particularly in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. It includes acts committed with intent to destroy—wholly or in part—a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. In the report, the committee highlights actions such as mass killings, causing serious bodily or mental harm, and deliberately inflicting living conditions designed to bring about a group’s physical destruction. They argue that Israel’s military operations and restrictive policies in Gaza meet these criteria.
Time.news Editor: Given the sensitivity of this topic, how is such a report received on the international stage? Are there any likely repercussions for Israel?
Dr. Amir Farhan: Reports like this often provoke a spectrum of responses. Some nations and human rights organizations may amplify calls for accountability, while others, particularly allies of Israel, might dismiss these findings as politically motivated. Potential repercussions could range from calls for sanctions to investigations by international bodies. However, enforcement remains a challenge, given the geopolitical complexities and alliances involved.
Time.news Editor: You mentioned the ongoing humanitarian crisis. How has the blockade and military actions impacted the daily lives of civilians in Gaza?
Dr. Amir Farhan: The situation in Gaza is dire. The blockade has severely restricted access to essential services such as healthcare, clean water, and food. According to numerous reports, civilians are enduring immense suffering, with hospitals overwhelmed and basic necessities lacking. The psychological toll is also significant, with continued violence instilling a sense of fear and hopelessness among the population. The international community’s inability to provide effective intervention compounds these issues.
Time.news Editor: What role do you believe the international community should play in addressing this crisis and holding parties accountable?
Dr. Amir Farhan: The international community must exert pressure for compliance with international humanitarian law, demand open access for humanitarian aid, and support independent investigations into alleged war crimes. Education on human rights and fostering constructive dialogue among conflicting parties is also crucial for long-term resolution. However, genuine change requires the strong political will of more powerful states, which is often lacking in the current geopolitical climate.
Time.news Editor: Thank you, Dr. Farhan, for sharing your insights. It’s crucial for the global community to engage in informed discussions about such pressing human rights issues.
Dr. Amir Farhan: Thank you for having me. It is indeed essential to keep these conversations going to advocate for those suffering and ensure accountability in international conflicts.