Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Government of Genocide in Gaza for First Time

Two prominent Israeli human rights organizations, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI), have publicly accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, the first time Jewish-led groups within the country have made such claims during nearly 22 months of war. Their reports, released Monday, cite Israeli policies, statements by officials, and the destruction of Gaza's health infrastructure as evidence supporting their conclusion.

The allegations come as the International Court of Justice considers a genocide case against Israel filed by South Africa, and amid ongoing international debate over the conduct of Israel's military offensive, which began after Hamas's attack on October 7, 2023. While international rights groups and Palestinian advocates have previously used the term genocide, most Israeli critics have avoided it due to the country's history and sensitivities surrounding the Holocaust.

Guy Shalev, director of PHRI, said the decision to use the term genocide was difficult but necessary, stating, "As the grandson of a Holocaust survivor, it's very painful for me to be reaching this conclusion." He added that Israeli society's deep connection to Holocaust memory demands responsibility in confronting current events.

The B'Tselem report argues that Israeli claims about Hamas militants using civilian facilities, often made without evidence, do not justify the scale of destruction in Gaza. PHRI's analysis details what it describes as the systematic dismantling of essential services, including electricity, water, and food supplies, and asserts that Israel has committed acts defined as genocide under international law.

Israeli officials have rejected genocide allegations as antisemitic and maintain that their actions are in line with international law, blaming civilian casualties on Hamas's tactics. The government did not immediately comment on the new reports. Historian Jeffrey Herf noted that the genocide accusation does not account for the ongoing conflict between two parties and Israel's right to self-defense.

The reports from B'Tselem and PHRI echo findings from international organizations such as Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International. Both Israeli groups have called on the international community and silent Israelis to speak out, with Sarit Michaeli, B'Tselem's international director, stating, "We have an obligation to do everything we can to speak the truth about this, to stand by the victims."

Despite these developments, most Israelis remain focused on the fate of hostages held in Gaza, and mainstream public opinion continues to support the government's actions as justified by national security concerns.