International association of Genocide Scholars Declares Israel‘s Actions in Gaza Constitute Genocide
The Hague, Netherlands – The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has issued a resolution stating that Israel’s actions in Gaza amount to genocide, according to a statement from the Palestinian Government Media Office viewed by TIME. The resolution arrives amidst ongoing international scrutiny of the conflict and allegations of widespread civilian casualties.
the declaration follows the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas terror attack on Israel, which killed over 1,200 people and led to approximately 250 hostages being taken.Since then, over 63,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, including 348 deaths attributed to “starvation and malnutrition,” according to Gaza’s Health Ministry.
Israel has vehemently denied accusations of genocide, asserting it’s right to defend itself. A statement from israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s office, delivered on Aug. 13, labeled the allegations “ridiculous” and a “blatant falsehood.”
The IAGS resolution adds to existing legal challenges, including a genocide case brought against Israel by South Africa at the International Court of Justice.
Casualty figures remain a point of contention. While the Gaza Health Ministry serves as the primary source for data relied upon by humanitarian groups, journalists, and international bodies, its figures are not independently verified by TIME and do not differentiate between civilians and combatants.Data from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) suggests a Palestinian civilian death rate of 83%.
