Israel Rights Groups Call Gaza Campaign Genocide

Israeli Human‑Rights NGOs Declare Gaza Conflict a “Genocide”

Key Report Sources

• B’Tselem, Israel’s most prominent civil‑rights group
• Physicians for Human Rights Israel, a medical‑rights NGO that recently joined the effort

Report Statements

• Both reports label the war in Gaza as a deliberate attempt to “destroy Palestinian society.”
• Physicians for Human Rights Israel cites a pattern of “systematic destruction of the Gaza healthcare system.”
• B’Tselem executive director Yuli Novak called the findings a “deeply painful moment” that proves the existence of genocide within Israeli society.

Israeli Government Reaction

Prime Minister’s office spokesperson David Mencer rejected the accusations, emphasizing that Israel’s defense forces target “terrorists, never civilians.” Mencer reaffirmed that the military’s objective is to defeat Hamas and rescue Israeli hostages still held in Gaza.

Context of the Gaza Conflict

• The war began 21 months ago after the October 7 Hamas attack on Israel.
• Over 2 million Palestinians live in the Gaza Strip, which has since been left in ruins.
• Hamas‑run health ministry reports at least 59 921 casualties, the majority civilians.
• UN agencies warn that residents face rising famine and malnutrition.

International Legal View

The International Court of Justice, in an early 2024 interim ruling on a South African case, found it “plausible” that the Israeli offensive violated the UN Genocide Convention.

Background on the NGOs

• B’Tselem has long criticized Israeli policies toward Palestinians.
• Physicians for Human Rights Israel, traditionally a medical‑rights NGO, has broadened its focus to include political‑rights questions.

Conclusion

These first‑ever “genocide” declarations by Israeli NGOs will likely intensify scrutiny of Israel’s war strategy and could influence future legal and humanitarian actions worldwide.