Genocide Scholars Association’s Official Verdict: Israel is Committing Genocide in Gaza

Rabat – The world’s top genocide scholars have officially voted that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide under international law.

The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), a group of about 500 experts, passed a resolution with 86% support stating that Israel’s policies and actions in Gaza amount to genocide as defined by the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention.

The resolution says Israel must immediately stop all acts that constitute genocide, including “deliberate attacks and killing of civilians including children; starvation; deprivation of humanitarian aid, water, fuel, and other items essential to survival; sexual and reproductive violence; and forced displacement of the population.”

Since the Israeli Occupation Forces (IOF) began its genocide on Gaza, Israel has killed over 63,000 Palestinians, though several reports estimate that the real number is far greater, as many remain unaccounted for or under the rubble.

Nearly all residents have been displaced at least once, and aid agencies warn that parts of Gaza are now in man-made famine, as a result of Israel’s starvation campaign. Around 200 Palestinians, particularly children and the elderly, have died from malnutrition and starvation.

Israel’s nearly total blockade of Gaza has cut off food, water, electricity, and medicine for months. Humanitarian groups report that aid convoys are often blocked, and many civilians have been killed while waiting in line for food and water. 

Thousands of children are suffering from severe malnutrition, with hospitals lacking fuel and supplies to treat them.

Israel has long rejected accusations of genocide, arguing its usual talking points that its actions are acts of “self-defense” against Hamas. 

Hamas welcomed the resolution, calling it “a prestigious scholarly stance” that reinforces evidence already presented to international courts. The Palestinian group said it adds “a legal and moral obligation on the international community to take urgent action to stop the crime, protect civilians, and hold the leaders of the occupation accountable.”

The resolution reflects a growing and long-standing consensus in academia and among rights groups about Israel’s war crimes in Gaza. 

Under the Genocide Convention, all countries are required to act to prevent and stop genocide.

It remains to be seen whether the resolution will increase pressure on Israel to end its genocide of Palestinians in Gaza, and put concrete and desperately needed action behind words.