The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has made a landmark declaration, stating that Israel’s war on Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide.
This resolution, passed with overwhelming support from its 500 members, marks a significant intervention from leading experts in international law.
The IAGS cited the 1948 United Nations Convention for the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, which defines genocide as crimes committed “with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group”.
Melanie O’Brien, IAGS president, emphasized that “this is a definitive statement from experts in the field of genocide studies that what is going on on the ground in Gaza is genocide”.
The declaration reflects a growing consensus within academia and the international community. Sergey Vasiliev, professor of international law at the Open University of the Netherlands, noted that “this legal assessment has become mainstream within academia, particularly in the field of genocide studies”.
Hundreds of UN human rights staff have also urged High Commissioner Volker Turk to label Israel’s campaign as genocide.
The resolution calls on Israel to halt “deliberate attacks on civilians, including children; starvation; deprivation of humanitarian aid, water, fuel, and other essentials; sexual and reproductive violence; and forced displacement”.
Ismail al-Thawabta, head of Gaza’s Government Media Office, welcomed the resolution, stating it “places a legal and moral obligation on the international community to take urgent action to stop the crime, protect civilians, and hold the leaders of the occupation accountable”.
The conflict has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with over 63,000 Palestinians killed, nearly all residents displaced, and most buildings destroyed or damaged. A UN-backed global hunger monitor has confirmed famine in parts of Gaza, directly resulting from Israel’s blockade and bombing campaign.
The IAGS declaration adds pressure to the ongoing case at the International Court of Justice, where Israel is accused of genocide.
The International Criminal Court has also issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
The resolution’s implications extend beyond the academic community, with potential repercussions for international relations and global governance.
While Israel has denied allegations of genocide, the growing consensus among scholars and human rights organizations underscores the need for accountability and action to prevent further humanitarian crises.