Academic association says Israel’s Gaza war constitutes genocide

The International Association of Genocide Scholars, representing nearly 500 experts worldwide, passed a resolution stating that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal criteria for genocide, as reported by Asharq Al-Awsat via Reuters on September 1st.

The legal criteria was under Article II of the UN’s 1948 Genocide Convention.

A total of 86% of its members voted in favour. The resolution states that “Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide.” Since it was founded in 1994, the association has passed only nine resolutions which acknowledge historic or continued incidents as genocide, underscoring the gravity of this decision.

Israel’s foreign ministry has made no immediate response. The state has categorically denied committing genocide and is currently defending itself in proceedings at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, where South Africa has accused it of violating international law.

Hundreds of United Nations staff have also called on the UN rights chief, Volker Türk, to formally classify the Gaza conflict as genocide. A letter sent on August 27th urged that the United Nations Human Rights Office Of The High Commissioner “has a strong legal and moral responsibility to denounce acts of genocide,” reflecting internal pressure within international bodies.

The conflict began in October 2023, following a Hamas attack that killed around 1,200 Israelis and took over 250 hostages. Israel launched military operations in Gaza in response. According to available figures, these operations have since killed more than 63,000 people, damaged or destroyed large parts of the territory, and displaced most of the population.

Reports also point to the scale of civilian casualties. Israeli data indicate that 83% of those killed in Gaza are civilians, raising concerns about the conduct and scope of the military campaign.

In recent weeks, Israel has intensified its operations in Gaza City, using airstrikes, artillery, and remote-controlled explosives. According to local accounts, entire residential areas have been levelled.