Two prominent Israeli human rights organizations, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI), have accused the Israeli government of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. In reports released on Monday, the groups detailed what they describe as systematic and deliberate actions by Israel over the past 21 months that have devastated Palestinian society.

Accusations of Systematic Destruction

The reports from B'Tselem and PHRI argue that Israel's military operations in Gaza have targeted civilians based on their identity as Palestinians. B'Tselem's executive director, Yuli Novak, emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "What we see is a clear, intentional attack on civilians in order to destroy a group." The 88-page report from B'Tselem outlines how Israeli policies and military actions have led to mass displacement, starvation, and the destruction of essential infrastructure.

PHRI's 65-page report focuses on the systematic dismantling of Gaza's healthcare system, documenting attacks on hospitals, obstruction of medical aid, and the targeting of healthcare personnel. Dr. Guy Shalev, PHRI's executive director, highlighted the urgency of confronting these actions, stating, "Silence in the face of genocide is not an option."

Israel's Denial and International Implications

The Israeli government has strongly rejected these accusations, with spokesman David Mencer asserting that the military targets only terrorists, not civilians. He attributed the suffering in Gaza to Hamas, which he claims is responsible for the ongoing conflict.

Despite Israel's denial, the reports have intensified calls for international intervention. Both organizations stress that Western allies have a legal and moral duty to act, as their support is seen as enabling the alleged genocidal campaign. "It couldn't happen without the support of the western world," Novak remarked, urging global leaders to use every available tool to halt the crisis.

Legal Context and Global Responsibility

The reports argue that Israel's actions meet the criteria outlined in the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, to which Israel is a signatory. They call for urgent global action, emphasizing that confronting genocide is not solely the responsibility of legal and political institutions but also demands the involvement of the global health community.