UN Report Accuses Israel of "Genocidal Acts" in Gaza; Israel Rejects Claims
A new UN report has accused Israel of committing "genocidal acts" in Gaza by systematically targeting women’s healthcare facilities and using sexual violence as a weapon of war. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry found that Israel intentionally attacked Gaza’s main fertility center, blocked essential medical supplies, and imposed conditions aimed at preventing births—actions that fall under the legal definition of genocide. Israel has rejected the accusations, calling the report biased and unfounded.
The commission also alleged that Israeli forces engaged in forced public stripping and sexual assault as part of their standard procedures against Palestinians following the October 7th, 2023, Hamas-led attacks. Israel’s permanent mission to the UN in Geneva denied these claims, stating that the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have strict policies against such misconduct. The report comes as international legal bodies continue to assess whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide.
South Africa has already brought a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ), and the ICJ previously ordered Israel to take steps to prevent acts of genocide. However, while some UN officials have described the evidence as "incontrovertible," it remains unclear whether international courts will legally enforce the findings of the report.
