A group of top genocide scholars has officially declared that Israel’s war on Gaza amounts to genocide. The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), made up of experts in international law, voted overwhelmingly to say Israel’s actions in Gaza such as bombing civilians, blocking food and medicine, and forcing people from their homes fit the UN’s definition of genocide.
This statement adds to Israel’s growing legal troubles. The country is already facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice, while the International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant over war crimes. Since the war began in October 2023, more than 63,000 Palestinians have been killed, almost everyone in Gaza has been displaced at least once, and famine has been confirmed in some areas due to Israel’s blockade.
At the same time, Israel says it has killed Abu Obeida, the well-known spokesman for Hamas’s armed wing, in an airstrike on Gaza City. Local reporters said the attack hit a residential building in the al-Rimal neighbourhood, killing at least seven people, including children, and injuring 20 more. Hamas has not yet confirmed Obeida’s death. Israel’s defence minister warned that more Hamas leaders would be targeted as the military campaign continues.
The developments highlight two realities: growing international condemnation of Israel’s war, and ongoing heavy casualties for people in Gaza.
Source: Viewers Corner News