A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has declared that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
The report, released on Tuesday September 16, in Geneva, concluded that Israel carried out four of the five genocidal acts defined under the 1948 Genocide Convention.
The commission found that since the start of Israel’s war with Hamas in 2023, its actions included killing, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting life-threatening conditions, and imposing measures to prevent births.
Navi Pillay, chair of the UN body, said at a press briefing:
“The commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza.
It is clear there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention.”
Pillay accused Israeli leaders of orchestrating a two-year campaign designed to destroy Palestinians in Gaza.
He said authorities failed to investigate or punish those behind the atrocities, showing complicity at the highest levels.
The report cited deliberate starvation, destruction of healthcare and education systems, and widespread gender-based violence as evidence of genocidal intent.
The panel concluded these actions could not be explained as collateral damage but instead showed a coordinated plan.
The commission urged Israel to end what it called genocide in Gaza.
It also called on UN member states to stop arms transfers and prosecute individuals or companies complicit in the crimes.
Israel rejected the findings as “fake” and politically biased. Its foreign ministry labeled the commission “Hamas proxies” and demanded its immediate abolition.
“The report relies entirely on Hamas falsehoods, laundered and repeated by others. Israel categorically rejects this distorted and false report,” the ministry said.
The war began on October 7, 2023, after Hamas militants attacked southern Israel, killing about 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages.
Since then, the Gaza Health Ministry has reported over 64,900 Palestinian deaths.
On Tuesday, Israel expanded its ground offensive in Gaza City, one of the few remaining areas outside Israeli control.
Tens of thousands of troops entered as the IDF launched what it called a “new stage” of its campaign.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, speaking during his corruption trial, confirmed the military’s operation.
“The IDF has begun an intensive operation in Gaza City,” he said.
The military added that the 162nd and 98th divisions led the push, with the 36th division set to join in the coming days.
Palestinian media reported heavy strikes overnight on Gaza City and surrounding neighborhoods.
Some outlets claimed Israeli tanks had already entered the city.
The escalation followed the Israeli Security Cabinet’s approval last month of plans to seize Gaza City completely.
The latest report has deepened global divisions.
While the UN panel urged accountability, Israel’s firm rejection signals that the conflict and the debate over its conduct is far from over.
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