New York: The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has passed a resolution stating that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide under the 1948 UN Genocide Convention. The resolution, adopted on Sunday, accused Israel of crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide.
The association cited indiscriminate attacks on civilians, the destruction of homes and infrastructure, and deliberate denial of food and aid. Reports show more than 59,000 people killed, including tens of thousands of children, and over 143,000 injured. Nearly all of Gaza’s 2.3 million residents have been displaced multiple times, with 90 percent of housing damaged or destroyed. Schools, universities, and libraries have been demolished, erasing cultural and educational foundations.
The resolution pointed to statements from Israeli leaders calling Palestinians “human animals” and pledging to “flatten Gaza.” Such rhetoric, the scholars argued, demonstrated genocidal intent. It also cited UN findings describing Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s push for permanent expulsion as ethnic cleansing.
The ICC has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes. The ICJ has issued provisional measures, noting it is “plausible” that genocide is being committed. Human rights groups including Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and B’Tselem have documented similar violations.
The scholars called for an immediate halt to the assault, compliance with ICJ orders, and free access for humanitarian aid. They urged UN member states to uphold the Genocide Convention and cooperate with the ICC.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry dismissed the resolution as “an embarrassment,” sparking widespread criticism online.
