Geneva: United Nations special rapporteurs have presented devastating findings on what they describe as an unfolding genocide in Gaza, with global powers complicit through silence and arms support.
Independent researchers estimate that approximately 68,000 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the past 710 days. Of these, 38,000 were infants under five. The deaths also include 1,581 aid workers, 252 journalists, and 346 UN staff. Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on human rights in the occupied Palestinian territory, stated that more than 10,000 Palestinians have been arbitrarily detained and subjected to torture, starvation, and sexual violence.
The UN panel highlighted that Israel is advancing annexation of the West Bank while Gaza faces relentless bombardment. Albanese condemned the role of Western nations, including the United States, Germany, and the United Kingdom, for providing political and military support. She also noted India’s growing defense and trade ties with Israel, calling them a violation of international law.
UN experts reported that Gaza has become the deadliest conflict for journalists, with 252 killed, surpassing casualties in multiple past wars combined. Irene Khan, UN Rapporteur on freedom of expression, described a deliberate campaign to discredit and kill journalists in order to suppress coverage of atrocities.
Mary Lawlor, Rapporteur on human rights defenders, shared testimony of repeated displacement and targeting of activists. George Katrougalos, Rapporteur on international order, warned that Israel’s unchecked actions undermine international law and weaken the credibility of the United Nations.
Albanese concluded that while world leaders fail, ordinary people across the globe are resisting complicity with one clear demand: no more genocide.
