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In a recent report, United Nations experts have asserted that Israel committed “genocidal acts” against Palestinians by systematically dismantling women’s health-care services amidst the ongoing conflict in Gaza. The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry focused on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, highlighted the use of heavy explosives in populated areas and targeted assaults on healthcare facilities.
The commission concluded that these actions contributed to “disproportionate violence against women and children.”
In response, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissed the claims as biased and reflective of antisemitism. He criticized the UN for purportedly prioritizing unfounded accusations against Israel while neglecting the actions of Hamas, which he labeled a terrorist organization.
The report indicates that Israeli assaults have severely impacted the reproductive health of Palestinians in Gaza. It contends that these measures, which aim to restrict births, fall within the definitions of genocidal acts as outlined in both the Rome Statute and the Genocide Convention. The commission also noted a concerning increase in maternal mortality rates resulting from impeded access to medical resources, describing these conditions as contributing to the crime against humanity of extermination.
Moreover, the report raises alarming allegations against Israeli security forces, accusing them of implementing practices of forced public stripping and sexual assault as punitive measures against Palestinians, particularly following the Hamas-led attacks in October 2023. The ensuing conflict has reportedly resulted in over 48,000 Palestinian fatalities, according to health officials in Gaza.
IDF States Policies Prevent Misconduct
The commission further accused Israeli security personnel of committing acts of sexual violence, including against detainees. In their defense, Israeli authorities refuted these claims, asserting their commitment to upholding international standards and emphasizing that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) maintain strict directives against such misconduct.
Earlier this year, a separate report issued by the commission outlined serious human rights violations attributed to Hamas and other Palestinian factions during the assaults in 2023, which resulted in significant casualties and hostage situations. In March, UN experts indicated that there was credible evidence pointing to instances of sexual violence, including rape, during the militant offensives.
The commission is led by Navi Pillay, a former UN human rights chief, and its findings may provide critical evidence for potential prosecutions of war crimes at the International Criminal Court or other judicial bodies.
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As a signatory to the Genocide Convention, Israel was mandated by the International Court of Justice in January 2024 to take measures to prevent acts of genocide amid the ongoing conflict with Hamas. However, Israel is not a signatory to the Rome Statute, which would allow the International Criminal Court to adjudicate on specific cases concerning genocide and crimes against humanity.
South Africa has lodged a case of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in Gaza.
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