JERUSALEM — For the first time, two of Israel’s leading human rights organizations have labeled the country’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide. B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights – Israel issued a joint report Monday, arguing that Israeli operations have deliberately devastated Palestinian society.
The report, titled “Our Genocide,” cites the deaths of more than 59,000 people, widespread destruction of neighborhoods, and the forced displacement of nearly all two million Gaza residents. It also highlights severe restrictions on food, water, and medical supplies, calling the assault “coordinated action to intentionally destroy Palestinian society.”
Israel strongly rejected the accusation. Officials said their forces target Hamas militants, not civilians, and emphasized that millions of tons of humanitarian aid have been sent to Gaza.
The declaration intensifies the international debate over whether the war meets the legal definition of genocide. South Africa has already brought a genocide case against Israel at the International Court of Justice, which has yet to rule.
B’Tselem director Yuli Novak said the group could no longer ignore the scale of destruction. “The reality we are witnessing has left us no choice but to acknowledge the truth,” she said.
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