The methods of warfare employed during Israeli operations in Gaza, particularly in the north in recent weeks, “match the characteristics of a genocide”, says the UN Special Committee. At least 220 Palestinians have been killed since Friday in Gaza, where the IDF continues both its ground incursions and shelling. Tel Aviv, which also bombs Lebanon, rules out any ceasefire with Hezbollah while negotiations with Hamas are at a standstill following the withdrawal of the Qatari mediator. The UN reiterates its warnings about famine and humanitarian situation as accusations of genocide against Israel intensify.
At least 51 people were killed in Gaza last weekend. In the north of this Palestinian territory, the scene of a ground operation and bombing by the Israeli army, the death toll amounts to hundreds of people. The Palestinian civil protection estimates 1,300 deaths in a month, specifying that numerous bodies still remain under the rubble.
Over 220 deaths in a week, 100 thousand Palestinians displaced in the north
IDF forces are intensifying their incursion into the city of Beit Hanoun (northern) and the Civil Defense announced on Wednesday a toll of at least 14 people dead in several Israeli attacks. Near Beit Lahiya, five people were killed in an attack that targeted a group of people near the Kamal Adwan hospital. Five more people were killed in two separate attacks in Nusseirat (in central Gaza), where the Israeli army launched a raid this week.
On Thursday, the Hamas government’s Ministry of Health in Gaza announced a new death toll of 43,736 in the Palestinian territory since the war with Israel began more than a year ago, or at least 228 more deaths since last Friday. At least 24 people have died in the last 24 hours. The number of injured is 103,370, according to the same source. A report by the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, released last Friday, said women and children accounted for “nearly 70%” of deaths in the Gaza Strip in the period between November 2023 and April 2024.
Israeli operations in the north are also causing forced displacement and, according to the UN, around 100,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee the governorate, while the Israeli army suggests they will not be allowed to return. Only about 75,000 people remained in the Beit Hanoun-Beit Lahya-Jabaliya triangle. According to residents’ testimonies to Reuters, “the catastrophe of 1948 is repeating itself” and “northern Gaza is becoming a large buffer zone, where Israel is carrying out ethnic cleansing before the eyes of a defenseless world.”
The same United Nations High Commissioner report warns of famine, warning of “an imminent and substantial probability of famine, due to the rapid deterioration of the situation in the Gaza Strip. The famine threshold may have already been exceeded or will be in the near future,” we read.
Israel, which Washington has ordered to facilitate the entry of humanitarian aid, announced on Tuesday the opening of a new crossing point. Washington said Israel was “not violating US humanitarian aid law” by entering the territory, but called for further progress. The Palestinian movement Hamas criticized the statements, accusing the United States of being complicit in a “genocidal war”.
Accusations of genocide are increasing
But this blockade of humanitarian aid, these bombings, these ground incursions and the other methods of warfare used increasingly attract accusations of genocide in Tel Aviv. The UN Special Committee, tasked with investigating Israeli practices, said the IDF’s methods “fit the hallmarks of a genocide,” given the “massive civilian casualties and conditions imposed on Palestinians with their lives intentionally in danger.” .
On Thursday, Human Rights Watch accused Tel Aviv of crimes against humanity in Gaza. “Since October 2023, the Israeli authorities have caused the massive and deliberate forced displacement of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, holding them responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity.”
Last Monday, meeting in Saudi Arabia during a summit dedicated to the situation in the Middle East, the leaders of Arab and Muslim countries denounced the “ethnic cleansing” and “genocide” carried out by Israel in Gaza.
On Tuesday, Washington said it had not “lost hope” of reaching a ceasefire in Gaza, despite Qatar’s withdrawal from mediation. American diplomacy criticizes Tel Aviv and Hamas for not showing “will and seriousness”. “We are pursuing a number of initiatives to secure the release of the hostages. It is ongoing. We have not lost hope,” said Vedant Patel, State Department spokesperson for the outgoing Joe Biden administration.
Neither of the two belligerents, neither in Gaza nor in Lebanon, is willing to accept the other’s conditions. In this country bordering Israel, where the IDF continues its bombings, causing dozens of deaths every day, six soldiers have been killed, announced the new Israeli Defense Minister, Israel Katz. The latter rejected the idea of a ceasefire, promising “not to turn off the gas” in the face of Lebanese Hezbollah.
On Wednesday, the Lebanese Ministry of Health announced a toll of 3,365 deaths and 14,344 injuries since October 2023.<span data-ccp-props="{"134233117":false,"134233118":false,"201341983":0,"335559738":270#Accusations #genocide #Israel #multiplying #Gaza #warnings #famine #forced #displacement #north #enclave
How can international communities effectively hold nations accountable for alleged war crimes?
Time.news Editor: Welcome to this special interview where we delve into the harsh realities surrounding the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Today, we have with us Dr. Emma Larson, an expert in international relations and human rights, to help us unpack the grave situation that has unfolded in recent weeks. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Larson.
Dr. Emma Larson: Thank you for having me. It’s crucial to discuss these matters, especially in light of the devastating impact on civilian populations.
Editor: The UN Special Committee has stated that the methods of warfare used by Israel in Gaza match the characteristics of genocide. Can you elaborate on what that means in this context?
Dr. Larson: Absolutely. When we speak of genocide, we refer to actions aimed specifically at the systematic destruction of a group, whether it’s directly through killings or indirectly by creating conditions that lead to suffering and death. The UN’s assessment highlights the massive civilian casualties and the conditions that have left Palestinians in life-threatening circumstances. It’s a stark indicator of how essential international frameworks for human rights and humanitarian laws are being overlooked.
Editor: The statistics paint a harrowing picture—over 220 Palestinians killed in just a week, close to 100,000 displaced—and rising famine risks. How do these figures reflect the humanitarian crisis unfolding on the ground?
Dr. Larson: They reflect a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The staggering number of deaths and the displacement of families represent not merely statistics but the lives of individuals, families, and entire communities disrupted or destroyed. With famine looming, the conditions in Gaza are deteriorating rapidly, creating an environment where public health, access to food, and basic necessities are becoming functions of survival rather than rights.
Editor: It’s alarming to hear that residents are claiming that the “catastrophe of 1948 is repeating itself.” Can you provide some historical context around this?
Dr. Larson: Yes, the reference to 1948 is deeply rooted in the Palestinian experience of displacement during the establishment of Israel, known as the Nakba or “catastrophe.” The comparison suggests a fear of not just losing homes but also the larger existential threat to the Palestinian identity and societal structure. The ongoing violence and forced displacement resonate strongly with those historical memories, suggesting that there’s a perceived continuity of trauma across generations.
Editor: With accusations of genocide growing, how do you assess the international community’s response, particularly from the United States?
Dr. Larson: The international community’s response has often been characterized by a sense of inaction or insufficient measures, despite the severity of the crisis. The U.S. has maintained a relationship with Israel that appears to prioritize strategic interests over humanitarian considerations. While the call for facilitating humanitarian aid is a positive step, it’s imperative that this is done meaningfully. Humanitarian measures should not be weaponized as political pawns but rather implemented to alleviate the suffering—this is the moral obligation that the global community must uphold.
Editor: Human Rights Watch has also accused Israel of crimes against humanity. What implications do such statements have for the future of this conflict?
Dr. Larson: Such allegations are serious and indicate a shift in how the international legal community is viewing these events. They can potentially lead to accountability measures, including investigations, sanctions, or even legal actions in international courts. However, the efficacy of these implications heavily relies on the international community’s political will and commitment to uphold human rights standards consistently.
Editor: As we conclude, what are critical actions that should be taken by global leaders to address this situation?
Dr. Larson: First, there needs to be immediate and unrestricted access to humanitarian aid for the people in Gaza. Second, there should be a concerted diplomatic effort to halt hostilities and facilitate dialogue between conflicting parties. Lastly, a reassessment of the global stance towards accountability in war crimes and human rights violations is crucial. It’s imperative that leaders around the world advocate for peace and justice—advocating for policies that prioritize human dignity above geopolitical considerations.
Editor: Thank you, Dr. Larson, for your insights. It’s a complex and deeply troubling situation, and discussions like these are vital as we seek to understand and advocate for those affected.
Dr. Larson: Thank you for having me. It’s essential we continue raising awareness and pushing for meaningful change.