A new report released on Thursday (14/11) by the UN Special Committee investigating Israel’s practices in Gaza found that Israel’s military actions were consistent with the characteristics of genocide.
The committee accused Israel of deliberately creating conditions that threatened the lives of Palestinians, including using starvation as a method of war.
“Since the beginning of the war, Israeli officials have openly supported policies that deprive Palestinians of the basic necessities for sustaining life — food, air, and fuel,” the committee said.
Israel also systematically hinders humanitarian aid from utilizing vital supplies for political and military purposes, the committee added.
From October 2023 (when the assault on Gaza began) to July 2024, the report highlights the devastating impact of Israel’s ongoing siege and bombing campaign.
The report also emphasizes how the destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, including water, sanitation and food systems, has led to a humanitarian disaster. “By destroying vital water, sanitation and food systems, and polluting the environment, Israel has created a deadly cocktail of crises that will endanger future generations,” the committee said.
In addition, the UN Special Committee report also expressed concerns about Israel’s use of artificial intelligence-enhanced targeting systems in military operations, which it claimed had caused a disproportionate number of civilian casualties, especially among women and children.
“The Israeli military’s use of AI-assisted targeting, with minimal human oversight, coupled with its use of heavy bombs, confirms Israel’s disregard for its obligation to differentiate between civilians and combatants,” the committee said.
Further criticism was directed at Israel’s media censorship and repression of dissent, as well as attacks on UN organizations and humanitarian workers.
The committee also called for international accountability, urging UN members to stop supporting Israel’s actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
“Failure to do so undermines the very essence of the international legal system and creates a dangerous precedent, allowing atrocities to continue unchecked,” the committee added.
The committee’s findings are scheduled to be presented next Monday at the UN General Assembly. Israel has continued to launch massive attacks on the Gaza Strip since October 7, 2023. These attacks have killed more than 43,700 people and injured around 103,000 people, making the territory almost uninhabitable.
Israel is also facing a genocide case at the International Court of Justice over its deadly war in Gaza.