Israel’s military actions in Gaza exhibit characteristics consistent with genocide, according to a new report by the UN Special Committee investigating Israeli practices. Released today, the report details mass civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions imposed on Palestinians in the enclave, attributing these conditions to deliberate policies by Israeli authorities.
The report highlights that, since the onset of the conflict, Israeli officials have publicly endorsed strategies that deprive Palestinians of essential resources, including food, water, and fuel. “These statements, along with systematic interference with humanitarian aid, clearly indicate Israel’s intent to use life-saving supplies as tools for political and military leverage,” the Committee stated.
Covering developments from October 2023 to July 2024, the report primarily focuses on the devastating impact of the ongoing war in Gaza on Palestinian rights, while also touching on the situation in the occupied West Bank and the Syrian Golan Heights. It accuses Israel of intentionally exacerbating the humanitarian crisis by obstructing aid, conducting targeted attacks on civilians and humanitarian workers, and ignoring repeated UN appeals, International Court of Justice rulings, and Security Council resolutions.
“Through its siege of Gaza, obstruction of aid, and deliberate targeting of civilians, Israel is using starvation as a method of warfare, inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian population,” the report stated. The Committee emphasized that these actions result in widespread death, hunger, and serious injuries.
The extensive bombing campaign in Gaza, documented in the report, has led to the collapse of essential services and an environmental disaster with long-term health repercussions. By early 2024, Israel had dropped over 25,000 tons of explosives on Gaza—an amount comparable to the force of two nuclear bombs. The resulting destruction devastated water and sanitation systems, crippled agriculture, and polluted the environment.
“Israel’s destruction of critical infrastructure has created a deadly combination of crises, with long-lasting impacts on public health and the environment,” the Committee noted.
The report also raises alarm over Israel’s use of AI-enhanced targeting systems, which have significantly affected civilians, particularly women and children. “The use of AI-assisted targeting with minimal human oversight, coupled with heavy bombardment, shows a blatant disregard for Israel’s obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants,” the Committee said.
Beyond the physical destruction, the report highlights increasing media censorship and suppression of dissent within Israel, as well as targeted attacks on journalists. It also pointed out the disproportionate removal of “pro-Palestinian content” by social media platforms, compared to posts inciting violence against Palestinians.
“This systematic silencing of media, along with disinformation campaigns and attacks on humanitarian workers, aims to undermine the critical work of the UN and disrupt the flow of aid to Gaza,” the Committee warned. The report also condemned ongoing smear campaigns against the UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) and broader UN initiatives.
The Committee called on all Member States to fulfill their legal responsibilities to prevent Israel’s violations of international law and hold the state accountable. “It is the collective duty of every nation to cease support for the assault on Gaza and the apartheid-like conditions in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem,” the report urged.
“Upholding international law and ensuring accountability for violations is essential. Failure to do so undermines the international legal system and sets a dangerous precedent, allowing atrocities to go unchecked,” the Committee concluded.
The findings of this report will be formally presented to the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly on November 18, 2024, where Member States are expected to discuss potential actions in response to the documented violations.
