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Amnesty International’s latest report outlines evidence that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the criteria for genocide against Palestinians. Released on Thursday, the 296-page document, titled “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman”: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, details Israel’s military offensive following the deadly Hamas attacks on October 7, 2023, and its ongoing violence in the region.
The report emphasizes the escalation of the crisis, particularly in northern Gaza, where Palestinians are suffering from starvation, displacement, and the constant threat of destruction, worsened by heavy bombardments and severe restrictions on humanitarian aid.
Amnesty’s investigation analyzed both the immediate and long-term impacts of Israel’s military actions, highlighting the scale of casualties and the statements of Israeli officials, which point to genocidal intent. International law defines genocide not by the actual destruction of a group but by the intent to do so.
Based on over 200 interviews and extensive digital and satellite evidence, the report covers events from October 7, 2023, to July 2024. Despite reaching out to Israeli authorities for comment, Amnesty received no meaningful response.
Agnès Callamard, Secretary General of Amnesty International, asserted that Israel’s actions amount to violations of the Genocide Convention, as they intentionally harm Palestinians in Gaza. She called for immediate international intervention, condemning the violence and the harsh living conditions imposed on Palestinians.
Amnesty has called for the UN Security Council to impose sanctions on both Israeli and Hamas officials responsible for international crimes and to ensure the release of all civilian hostages. The report highlights Israel’s widespread airstrikes, the destruction of essential infrastructure, forced displacement of nearly 1.9 million Palestinians, and the blockade of aid as evidence of genocidal intent.
While Israel claims its military operations are aimed at Hamas, Amnesty challenges these assertions, arguing that the destruction of civilian structures and resources serves to annihilate the Palestinian population.
Sacha Deshmukh, Chief Executive of Amnesty UK, urged the UK government to halt arms sales to Israel and work toward holding Israeli officials accountable, calling for a global response to the ongoing violence.
