Genocide Scholars' Association Declares Israel's Actions in Gaza Constitute Genocide

The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), a leading global body of genocide experts, has passed a resolution asserting that Israel's actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide as outlined in the 1948 United Nations Convention. The resolution, supported by 86% of voting members, also accuses Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The IAGS resolution calls on Israel to immediately cease all acts constituting genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity against Palestinians in Gaza. It highlights actions such as deliberate attacks on civilians, including children; starvation; deprivation of humanitarian aid, water, fuel, and other essentials; sexual and reproductive violence; and forced displacement of the population.

In response, Israel's Foreign Ministry condemned the resolution as "an embarrassment to the legal profession and to any academic standard," asserting that it is "entirely based on Hamas's campaign of lies."

The IAGS, founded in 1994, is a global, interdisciplinary, non-partisan organization comprising scholars, academics, researchers, policymakers, and civil society members. The association's resolution is expected to inform ongoing cases at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court concerning Israel's actions in Gaza.