In the past 14 months, an alarming narrative has unfolded around Israel’s military actions in Gaza, sparking widespread international debate. Amnesty International has added its voice to a growing consensus, publishing a bombshell 297-page report titled “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza.” The report accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, a claim that has sent shockwaves through global diplomatic circles. In this post, we’ll delve into what this report means, why it is gaining traction, and what other experts and human rights organizations have to say about Israel’s actions in Gaza.
The Context: The Events in Gaza Over the Last 14 Months
Since October 2023, when Israeli officials declared that food, water, electricity, and fuel would be withheld from Gaza following Hamas’ attack on Israel, the humanitarian crisis has escalated. What began as a military response has morphed into a devastating siege on Gaza, with widespread allegations of starvation as a weapon of war and deliberate attacks on civilians.
Amnesty International’s report, which directly accuses Israel of genocide, draws on various legal precedents and expert opinions to back up its claims. But why has this particular report gained so much attention? And what are the arguments being made by the experts?
What Does Amnesty International’s Report Say?
The core of Amnesty International’s allegations lies in the claim that Israel has intentionally targeted the Palestinian population in Gaza, systematically depriving them of essential resources necessary for survival. In a striking example, former Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s remarks from 2023—declaring that Gaza would be denied food and water—are presented as evidence of genocidal intent. The organization claims that these measures, alongside military actions, fit the definition of genocide under international law.
Key points highlighted in the report include:
- Starvation as a weapon: Evidence that Israeli forces are deliberately restricting food, water, and medical supplies, thereby creating a life-threatening situation for Gaza’s population.
- Torture and violence: Documentation of civilian abuse, including torture and the killing of women and children, with some accounts of soldiers bragging about their actions online.
- Destruction of homes and infrastructure: Israel’s actions have led to the systematic destruction of Gaza’s housing, schools, and hospitals—often with no apparent military justification.
International Reactions: Growing Consensus on Genocide
Amnesty International’s report is not an isolated claim. Several other respected organizations have echoed similar accusations. One of the most significant legal voices in this discussion is Theodor Meron, a former judge at the International Criminal Court (ICC), who has publicly stated that Israel’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide.
Moreover, the International Court of Justice recently deemed it plausible that Israel was committing genocide in Gaza. The International Criminal Court also issued warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Gallant for war crimes, adding more fuel to the fire.
Among those supporting these claims are experts like Aryeh Neier, the founder of Human Rights Watch, who has warned that what is happening in Gaza constitutes genocide. Neier, a Jewish refugee himself, has stressed the importance of recognising this as a crime of humanity. Other groups like B’tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, have also documented the alleged war crimes being committed by Israel.
A Pattern of Evidence: Social Media Posts by Israeli Soldiers
One of the most shocking pieces of evidence cited by Amnesty International is the online behaviour of some Israeli soldiers. The report analyses over 60 pieces of evidence from videos, audio recordings, and photographs posted by Israeli soldiers on social media. Many of these documents show soldiers engaging in the destruction of Palestinian homes, schools, and mosques—sometimes with no military purpose behind their actions.
Of the materials Amnesty analysed:
- 31 instances involved calls for the “erasure” or “annihilation” of Gaza.
- Soldiers were seen celebrating the destruction of civilian infrastructure, including children’s toys and personal belongings.
- Public videos demonstrate soldiers laughing while engaging in what could be described as dehumanising behaviour.
This evidence, Amnesty argues, points to a broader culture of impunity within the Israeli military. The organisation suggests that such behaviour is encouraged or tacitly supported, making it an integral part of Israel’s military strategy in Gaza.
The Impact of These Allegations
The claims of genocide are not just theoretical or legal. On the ground in Gaza, the humanitarian toll is devastating. According to the United Nations, nearly 70% of those killed in Gaza are women and children, making it one of the deadliest conflicts for non-combatants in recent history. Oxfam has reported that more children have been killed in Gaza by Israeli forces in 2023 than in any other recent conflict.
Each day, reports reveal the horrific human costs of this war: 10 Palestinian children lose one or both of their legs daily. Meanwhile, Israel continues to deny accusations, with its Foreign Ministry dismissing Amnesty International’s findings as “fabricated lies.”
Why Is the U.S. Administration Supporting Israel Amid These Allegations?
Despite mounting evidence and the issuance of arrest warrants by the ICC, the Biden administration is standing by Israel. In November 2023, The Financial Times reported that the U.S. had approved a $680 million weapons sale to Israel. This has raised questions about the U.S.’s role in the ongoing conflict, especially considering that many of these weapons have been used in Gaza.
The support for Israel, despite accusations of war crimes and genocide, speaks to the complex nature of international politics. The U.S.’s unwavering commitment to Israel, often framed through a strategic alliance in the Middle East, seems to outweigh humanitarian concerns in the eyes of many.
Conclusion: What Happens Next?
The situation in Gaza continues to evolve, with new reports and videos emerging almost daily. As the debate around whether Israel is committing genocide grows louder, the international community faces a tough question: How will these actions be addressed?
For now, Amnesty International and other human rights groups are calling for accountability. With the growing body of evidence, war crimes investigations are likely to intensify in the coming months. The future of Gaza remains uncertain, but the legal, moral, and political implications of these allegations will shape international diplomacy for years to come.
Relevant Links for Further Reading:
- Amnesty International
- International Court of Justice
- International Criminal Court
- Human Rights Watch
- B’tselem
Photo credit: France 24
