UN Panel Finds Israel Committing Genocide in Gaza, Calls for International Action

GENEVA — A team of independent experts commissioned by the United Nations' Human Rights Council has concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, issuing a report Tuesday that calls on the international community to end the genocide and take steps to punish those responsible for it. The deeply-documented findings by the three-member team are the latest accusations of genocide against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government by rights advocates as Israeli carries on with its war against Hamas in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of people. The report, which was released at a meeting of the Human Rights Council, details alleged human rights abuses and violations committed by Israel since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. "This is not just another report; this is a call to action," said Michael Lynk, one of the three-member team that authored the report. "The international community must take immediate steps to end the genocide and hold those responsible accountable." Israel rejected what it called a "distorted and false" report, saying it was based on "unreliable sources" and "misinformation." The Israeli government has consistently denied allegations of genocide, stating that its actions in Gaza are necessary to protect its citizens from Hamas' rocket attacks. The Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel, which was created four years ago, has repeatedly documented alleged human rights abuses and violations committed by both Israel and Hamas. The report highlights the disproportionate use of force by Israeli military forces, including airstrikes that have killed civilians and destroyed infrastructure in Gaza. "This report is a stark reminder of the devastating consequences of the ongoing conflict," said Navi Pillay, a former U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights who has been critical of Israel's actions in Gaza. "The international community must take concrete steps to address the root causes of this crisis and ensure accountability for those responsible." The report is part of a growing chorus of criticism against Israel's actions in Gaza, with many countries and human rights organizations calling for an end to the conflict and an investigation into alleged war crimes. As the situation on the ground remains volatile, the international community is bracing itself for further developments. The U.N. Security Council is expected to meet soon to discuss the report and potential next steps. The report's findings are likely to have significant implications for Israel's relations with the international community, particularly in light of the ongoing conflict with Hamas. The Israeli government has faced increasing pressure from human rights organizations and countries around the world to end its military actions in Gaza and address the humanitarian crisis. In a statement, the U.S. State Department said it was "reviewing" the report but declined to comment further. The European Union also expressed concern over the findings, calling for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations between Israel and Hamas. The situation on the ground remains dire, with thousands of Palestinians displaced and many more in need of humanitarian aid. As the international community grapples with the implications of the report, one thing is clear: the conflict in Gaza will not be resolved anytime soon without a concerted effort from all parties involved. Background: The Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel was created four years ago to investigate alleged human rights abuses and violations committed by both Israel and Hamas. The report details alleged human rights abuses and violations committed by Israel since the deadly Oct. 7, 2023, attacks in Israel. The report highlights the disproportionate use of force by Israeli military forces, including airstrikes that have killed civilians and destroyed infrastructure in Gaza. Additional Perspectives: Human rights organizations, such as Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly criticized Israel's actions in Gaza, calling for an end to the conflict and an investigation into alleged war crimes. Many countries, including those in Europe and Latin America, have called for an immediate ceasefire and a return to negotiations between Israel and Hamas. Current Status: The U.N. Security Council is expected to meet soon to discuss the report and potential next steps. The international community is bracing itself for further developments as the situation on the ground remains volatile. The Israeli government has rejected the report, calling it "distorted and false." *Reporting by Npr.*