Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Government of Genocide in Gaza

Leaders of two prominent Israeli human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI), have accused the Israeli government of committing genocide in Gaza, following the release of a joint investigation.

Yuli Novak, Executive Director of B’Tselem, stated that the findings mark a painful realization for Israeli society. > "Nothing prepares you for the realization that you are part of a society committing genocide. This is a deeply painful moment for us," Novak said. She attributed the current situation to longstanding separation and dehumanization of Palestinians, as well as the aftermath of the October 7, 2023, Hamas-led attack. Novak argued that the Israeli government is using public fear to pursue policies of destruction and expulsion, adding that Palestinians' lives "are being treated as worthless" and calling for international intervention.

Dr. Guy Shalev, Executive Director of PHRI, said that Israel is deliberately destroying Gaza’s health system. > "As people who believe in the sanctity of life, we are obligated to speak the truth: this is genocide, and we must fight it," Shalev said. He described a pattern of repeated attacks on hospitals, denial of life-saving treatment to patients, and obstruction of humanitarian aid. Shalev emphasized the responsibility of medical professionals to confront these actions and protect their colleagues in Gaza.