On November 14, 2024, a special UN committee described as “genocide” what Israel has been doing in Gaza since the Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023. This is not the first time that the term – controversial – has been used. used to denounce what is happening in the enclave. More than 43,000 Palestinians lost their lives in one year.
Israel's methods of warfare in Gaza “correspond to the characteristics of a genocide”, estimated the special UN committee meeting on Thursday.
In a communiquéhe detailed the reasons why Netanyahu's armies are the subject of such accusations, which have been highly controversial since the start of the escalation in the Middle East.
Weapons of war
Among the acts denounced by the UN, the use of famine as a weapon of war was particularly highlighted. Writing in particular: “Since the start of the war, Israeli officials have publicly supported policies that deprive Palestinians of the basic necessities they need to survive: food, water and fuel.”
A discussed term
Since the start of Israel's attacks on the Gaza Strip, in retaliation for the Hamas attacks carried out on October 7, 2023, the term “genocide” is debated. If fourteen countries, including Belgium, Ireland and Spain, joined South Africa in filing a complaint for “genocide” against Tel Aviv, some are more reluctant. Like the United States, which last night rejected the accusations of the UN special committee, notes Here Beirut. As for Emmanuel Macron, he has repeatedly condemned Israel's attacks in Gaza, and even called for a ceasefire, without speaking of “genocide”.
As a reminder, by definition: it is a “crime against humanity tending to the total or partial destruction of a national, ethnic, racial or religious group; are qualified as genocide willful attacks on life, physical or psychological integrity, submission to conditions of “existence endangering the life of the group, the obstacles to births and the forced transfers of children which aim at such a goal”, put it down Larousse.
Furthermore, observers noted a systematic and illegal interference in humanitarian aid” which according to them would show “Israel's intention to exploit vital supplies for political and military purposes”.
The decimated enclave
Besides “its targeted attacks and killings of civilians and aid workers”Israel carried out a “vast bombing campaign” in Gaza.
“In early 2024, more than 25,000 tons of explosives – the equivalent of two nuclear bombs – were dropped on Gaza, causing massive destruction and the collapse of water and sanitation systems, devastation of agriculture and toxic pollution”points out the report.
Consequences, “generations to come” will still suffer damage from ongoing attacks.
Use of AI
“The Israeli military's reliance on AI-assisted targeting, with minimal human oversight, combined with heavy bombs, underscores Israel's disregard for its obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and to take adequate guarantees to avoid civilian deaths”worries the committee.
He fears that the use of artificial intelligence will put civilians at greater risk, evidenced by “the impressive number of women and children among the victims”.
Freedom of expression and transparency
The report denounces “Israel's growing media censorship, repression of dissent and targeting of journalists” by the Netanyahu government.
Also condemning “the ongoing smear campaign and other attacks against UNRWA and the UN in general.” Even going so far as to accuse him of “undermining the vital work of the UN, cutting off the lifeline of aid still reaching Gaza and dismantling the international legal order”.
“Collective responsibility”
In light of these findings, the committee declared that it “It is the collective responsibility of every state to stop supporting the assault on Gaza and the apartheid system in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem.”
Adding that he “It is the responsibility of Member States to uphold international law and ensure that perpetrators of violations are held accountable for their actions.” If necessary, the committee fears prosecution “without control” of the “atrocities”.
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