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Scholars’ association declares Israel’s Gaza actions meet genocide definition
The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has officially passed a resolution stating that Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza align with the legal definition of genocide as outlined in the 1948 United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. The resolution, adopted on August 31, has intensified debates over the ongoing Israel-Hamas war.
Genocide claims and international law
Citing Article II of the U.N. Convention, the IAGS argued that Israel’s actions in Gaza are not solely directed at Hamas but have impacted the entire Palestinian population in the territory. The article defines genocide as acts committed “with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group.”
The resolution accuses Israel of committing "systematic and widespread crimes against humanity, war crimes, and genocide," including indiscriminate attacks on civilians and the destruction of civilian infrastructure. According to the IAGS, more than 90% of Gaza’s housing infrastructure has been obliterated, and nearly the entire population of 2.3 million has been forcibly displaced multiple times.
Melanie O’Brien, president of the IAGS, described the resolution as “a definitive statement from experts in genocide studies,” adding that it reflects evidence gathered from U.N. and NGO reports. Onur Uraz, chair of the IAGS Resolutions Committee, confirmed that 86% of the association's members voted in favor of the resolution.
Israel’s response and rejection of findings
Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs dismissed the resolution as “an embarrassment to the legal profession,” accusing the association of relying on “Hamas’ campaign of lies.” Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has previously labeled allegations of genocide as “ridiculous” and “blatant falsehoods.”
The resolution comes amid accusations of genocide filed against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) by South Africa in December 2023. Additionally, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. Israel strongly denies these allegations, asserting its right to self-defense against Hamas, which it designates as a terrorist organization.
Humanitarian crisis in Gaza
The resolution coincides with mounting concerns over the humanitarian situation in Gaza. A U.N.-backed food security body recently confirmed famine in Gaza City for the first time since the war began. According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, more than 63,000 Palestinians have died since the start of the conflict, including 348 deaths attributed to starvation and malnutrition. However, the casualty data has not been independently verified due to the absence of international monitoring on the ground.
Israel’s ongoing military expansion in Gaza City has drawn criticism from world leaders and humanitarian organizations. Germany recently suspended arms sales associated with Gaza following the announcement of Israel’s escalated operations in the region.
The war began on October 7, 2023, when Hamas carried out a large-scale attack on Israel, killing over 1,200 people and taking approximately 250 hostages. The conflict has since escalated, with devastating consequences for civilians on both sides.