Geneva: The United Nations has formally declared Israel’s military campaign in Gaza a genocide, a decision that shaped an urgent debate at the Human Rights Council. The declaration followed nearly two years of conflict that devastated Gaza and unsettled the wider Middle East.
Navi Pillay, chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, said the investigation held senior Israeli leaders responsible, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, and President Isaac Herzog. “Since these individuals acted as agents of the state, international law holds the state accountable. Therefore, we conclude that it is the State of Israel that has committed genocide,” she said.
Israel rejected the findings, denying genocide charges. The debate was requested by Pakistan on behalf of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation and by Kuwait, following Israel’s missile attack on Doha on September 9. Qatar strongly condemned the strike, calling it a direct attempt to undermine peace efforts. “To attack the mediating State is to attack the principle of negotiation itself,” Dr. Al Misnad said, noting Doha’s role in ceasefire talks with the United States and Egypt.
UN human rights chief Volker Türk urged global action, stressing that states have an obligation to stop violations of international law. Independent UN experts described the campaign as an annihilation of Palestinian life. UNRWA spokesperson Juliette Touma linked the crisis to a lack of accountability, calling for an end to Israel’s blockade.
The session marked the first time the UN formally recognised the war in Gaza as genocide, adding urgency to international demands for justice.
