Amid the conflict's escalating violence, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI) have publicly called out Israeli governmental actions as genocidal, following extensive reports analyzing 21 months of hostilities.
**Israeli Rights Groups Label Gaza Actions as Genocide Amid Ongoing Conflict**
**Israeli Rights Groups Label Gaza Actions as Genocide Amid Ongoing Conflict**
Two prominent Israeli organizations raise alarm over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, asserting that Israel's military operations amount to genocide.
In a shocking revelation, two leading Israeli human rights organizations, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHRI), have jointly accused Israel of committing acts of genocide against the Palestinian population in Gaza. These allegations were made during a news conference in Jerusalem, where both organizations presented comprehensive reports stemming from their extensive research over the last 21 months of conflict.
"Our findings have led us to a conclusion we never expected to reach," said Yuli Novak, executive director of B'Tselem, affirming that Israel's actions reflect a concerted effort to dismantle Palestinian society intentionally. The reports detail the destructive impact of Israeli military strategies, with a 65-page legal analysis from PHRI emphasizing systematic attacks on Gaza's healthcare facilities as part of a calculated assault.
Dr. Guy Shalev from PHRI highlighted the urgent need for the global community to respond decisively to what he termed an ongoing genocide, stating: "Silence in the face of genocide is not an option." The reports not only analyze the actions taken post-October 7 Hamas attack but also reflect on Israel's dangerous rhetoric that dehumanizes Palestinians.
Both organizations reported a staggering death toll, with claims that Israeli airstrikes have resulted in over 59,900 casualties in Gaza, as documented by the Hamas-led health ministry. Additionally, the ongoing crisis leaves only half of the hospitals operational, raising severe concerns among health experts.
While international human rights groups and experts have echoed these allegations, Israeli government representatives vehemently oppose such claims, arguing that their military operations target militants, not civilians. As international scrutiny builds, including an evaluation by the International Court of Justice regarding allegations of genocide, the call for urgent action by civil society continues to gain traction.
Reflecting on the gravity of their findings, Novak mentioned the emotional struggle faced by Israelis in reconciling the belief that their nation is engaging in genocide. The complex socio-political landscape continues to raise awareness among citizens and international observers regarding the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
