Israeli Study Challenges Genocide Allegations in Gaza Conflict

A recent 300-page report by Israeli researchers challenges allegations that Israel committed genocide during the Gaza conflict. The study, conducted by military historians Prof. Danny Orbach and Dr. Yagil Henkin, quantitative analyst Dr. Jonathan Boxman, and international law expert Jonathan Braverman, scrutinizes claims of deliberate starvation and indiscriminate attacks on civilians.

The authors argue that accusations of intentional starvation are based on statistical errors. They note that pre-war aid deliveries were measured per working day, while post-war figures were averaged over all calendar days, leading to misleading comparisons. The study also highlights Hamas's use of civilian infrastructure for military purposes, complicating Israel's military operations.

Prof. Orbach stated that to prove genocide, it must be shown that Israel aimed to maximize civilian casualties, which the study finds unsubstantiated. The report acknowledges potential violations of the laws of war but concludes these do not constitute genocide. It warns that overusing the term 'genocide' could diminish its significance and hinder responses to actual genocidal threats.