UN committee: Israel’s warfare tactics in Gaza ‘consistent with genocide’

 Report accuses Israel of ‘using starvation as a weapon of war and imposing collective punishment on the Palestinian population.’

14 Nov 2024

A UN committee has stated that Israel’s military actions in Gaza exhibit "genocidal characteristics," accusing the country of using starvation as a weapon of war.

In a report released Thursday, the UN Special Committee to Investigate Israeli Practices detailed that Israel’s methods have led to widespread civilian casualties and life-threatening conditions for Palestinians, accusing Israeli forces of withholding essential resources, including food, water, and fuel, in ways that constitute collective punishment. The report aligns with findings from UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese, who previously suggested "reasonable grounds" exist to suspect genocide.

Since the conflict's escalation on October 7, 2023, Israel's actions have killed at least 43,736 Palestinians and injured 103,370, according to Gaza's Ministry of Health. The report highlights that despite repeated calls from the UN and binding orders from the International Court of Justice, Israel has continued to impose severe restrictions on humanitarian aid, intensifying the crisis.