A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, marking the UN’s strongest finding yet on the conflict.
The report, released on September 16, says Israeli authorities and security forces committed four genocidal acts — killing, inflicting serious bodily or mental harm, imposing life-destroying conditions, and measures intended to prevent births — all carried out with the intent to destroy Palestinians as a group.
Investigators cited statements from Israeli leaders, the large-scale killing of civilians trapped in Gaza, destruction of homes, schools, and cultural sites, and the use of starvation and blocked aid as evidence of genocidal intent.
The report also pointed to sexual and gender-based violence, targeted killings of children, and Israel’s disregard of International Court of Justice orders.
The Commission said international law requires Israel to immediately halt the genocide, while all states have a universal obligation to prevent and punish it.
It called for a permanent ceasefire, restoration of UN-led humanitarian access, an end to arms transfers and enabling supplies, sanctions against complicity — including corporations — and protection of medical staff and evacuations.
“This is the strongest and most authoritative UN finding to date. Genocide is not only plausible. It is happening now. The duty to act is clear,” the report states.
A press conference on the findings is scheduled for later on Tuesday in Geneva.
