For the first time, two Israeli human rights organisations — B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel — have publicly accused the Israeli government of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, Reuters reported.
This marks a major and important shift, as such allegations have until now mostly come from international bodies and foreign critics.
At a press conference in Jerusalem, the groups released separate reports asserting that Israel is carrying out a deliberate and systematic campaign aimed at dismantling Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip.
“The report we are presenting today is one we never thought we’d have to write,” said Yuli Novak, executive director of B’Tselem. “The people of Gaza have been displaced, bombed, and starved, left stripped of their humanity and rights.”
Physicians for Human Rights Israel focused on the collapse of Gaza’s healthcare system, blaming Israeli actions for its systematic destruction.
Israel quickly dismissed the accusations. A government spokesperson called the charges “baseless,” arguing there is no genocidal intent — a key legal element — and pointing out that Israel has allowed the entry of nearly 1.9 million tons of aid, mainly food.
The Israeli military echoed this, saying it operates under international law and blames Hamas for endangering civilians by embedding itself within civilian areas — an accusation Hamas denies.
The recent war began after Hamas-led fighters retaliated with a deadly attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking over 250 hostages. Since then, nearly 60,000 people — mostly civilians — have been killed in Gaza, according to local health officials, with massive destruction and displacement affecting nearly all of Gaza’s two million residents.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza continues to escalate. While Israel says it is allowing aid in, the UN reports severe shortages and claims Israeli forces have shot civilians attempting to access food. Though some restrictions have recently been eased, the situation remains dire.
