Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Government of Genocide in Gaza

Two Israeli human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI), have publicly accused the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza. This marks the first time that Jewish-led groups within Israel have made such allegations during the nearly 22-month conflict that began after Hamas' October 7, 2023, attack, which killed around 1,200 people and resulted in over 250 hostages.

The groups released separate reports on Monday, citing Israeli policies in Gaza, statements by senior officials, and the destruction of the territory’s health system as factors leading to their conclusion. Their findings align with previous claims by international organizations, though both groups have not been permitted entry into Gaza during the war and based their reports on testimonies, documents, and expert consultations.

Guy Shalev, director of PHRI, said the Israeli public often dismisses genocide accusations as antisemitic, but hoped that local organizations raising the issue would prompt greater acknowledgment of the situation. Shalev described reaching this conclusion as "very painful," referencing his own family's Holocaust history, but emphasized a sense of responsibility.

Israel’s government rejected the allegations, calling the reports "obscene" and "politically motivated." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated the claims are baseless and only serve to embolden Hamas, asserting that Israeli military actions target Hamas, not civilians.

The PHRI report detailed what it described as the systematic dismantling of Gaza’s health and life-sustaining systems, including electricity, water, and food access. It argued that Israel has committed three acts defined as genocide under international law, including deliberately inflicting conditions intended to bring about the physical destruction of a group.

The debate over whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide is ongoing at the International Court of Justice, following a case filed by South Africa. Israel continues to deny all allegations and maintains that it is acting in self-defense in accordance with international law.