UN Investigation Finds Evidence of Israeli State Offences, Raises Concerns of Genocide Complicity
A United Nations investigation committee has determined that actions by Israeli political and military leaders constitute offenses by the Israeli state, and that Israel must be held responsible for failing to prevent and punish genocide in Gaza. The findings, reported by BBC News Thai, stem from a two-year investigation into alleged actions against Palestinians.
The committeeS chair, Pilley, stated the investigation meticulously gathered facts to determine if actions met the threshold for genocide, emphasizing that intent is crucial. “Only the facts can be guided by you. And you can take this matter to proceed in the genocide convenge only when those actions are done with this intention,” she said.
The report highlights concerns stemming from statements made by Prime Minister Netanyahu on October 7, 2023, where he vowed “revenge like” actions and declared intentions to destroy Gaza, referring to it as an ”evil city.” Pilley noted this language suggests collective punishment, stating, “The use of the word ‘evil city’ in that statement shows that He sees the city of Kaza (Gazazi), the whole city is responsible and the target of revenge. And he told the Palestinians ‘Go out now Because we will operate hard everywhere.'”
While the Israeli government maintains its operations are aimed solely at dismantling Hamas and are conducted under international law with efforts to minimize civilian harm, the UN committee’s findings contradict this assertion.
The committee also warned that other nations have obligations under the genocide convention to prevent and punish genocide perpetrators, possibly facing complicity if they fail to act. Pilley clarified the committee is currently investigating potential co-conspirators but has not yet reached a conclusion.
Numerous human rights organizations, UN independent experts, and academics have already accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel rejects these accusations, dismissing the case brought by South Africa before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) as “no truth” and based on “claims that are biased and false.”
