Amnesty International has, for the first time, described Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide. It has also urged the global powers to act, particularly the United States and Germany. A recent report titled, “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman”: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza” was published following a nine-month investigation. They have also taken over 200 interviews with Palestinian victims, healthcare workers, and aid organizations. Besides, the investigation also includes a thorough analysis of Israeli airstrikes, and forced displacements. Above all, they have also taken statements from Israeli officials.
The findings of Amnesty International include evidence of horrific and deliberate attacks targeting civilians. According to the report, Amnesty reviewed 15 Israeli airstrikes between October 2023 and April 2024. The airstrikes killed or injured hundreds of civilians but they did not find any military objectives. Amnesty also highlighted that they found numerous proofs of severe restrictions on aid distribution. Moreover, they also found that Israel directly targeted aid workers. A report from Deir al-Balah describes living conditions as apocalyptic in Gaza, with displaced families facing extreme deprivation under relentless bombardment.
The report is not limited to what is happening in Gaza only, they have also documented and analyzed 102 dehumanizing statements from Israeli officials. Over the 9 months, it has also been attributed to 22 Israeli senior figures directly overseeing military operations. Amnesty International claims the statements from the Israeli officials demonstrate a specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, fulfilling the legal definition of genocide.
Amnesty also notes that Israeli actions have continued despite the International organizations and legal bodies warning. The International Criminal Court recently issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, and the International Court of Justice is currently hearing a genocide case against Israel.
According to Amnesty report, they have confirmed that, since October 8, 2024, over 44,500 Palestinians have been killed, 105,000 injured, and 90% of Gaza’s population displaced. Health systems in Gaza are barely functioning, with thousands still missing in the rubble.
Almost all the rights organizations in the world including experts, and Holocaust scholars, condemned Israel for its genocidal operation in Gaza and Amnesty joins the list. The situation has sparked international debate, with calls for accountability intensifying as the crisis deepens.
