GAZA CITY — Amnesty International has accused Israel of committing a “live-streamed genocide” against Palestinians in Gaza, alleging clear violations of international law and the UN Genocide Convention.
In its annual report released Monday, the human rights group said Israeli forces intentionally inflicted “serious bodily and mental harm” and created living conditions designed to “bring about the physical destruction” of Palestinians.
Amnesty Details Violations
Amnesty’s Secretary-General Agnes Callamard condemned global inaction, stating, “The world has been made audience to a live-streamed genocide. States watched on as Israel killed thousands upon thousands of Palestinians, wiping out entire multigenerational families.”
The report accused Israeli forces of blocking humanitarian access, attacking civilians following evacuation orders, and invading the southern city of Rafah despite international warnings. Amnesty noted that these acts collectively violated the Genocide Convention’s prohibitions.
Forced Displacements and Disappearances
According to the report, Israeli forces continued to arbitrarily detain and forcibly disappear Palestinians across Gaza. It also cited widespread destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and livelihoods.
Amnesty said Israel not only violated international law but also acted as if it stood above it. “Israel and its powerful allies, first among them the USA, claimed that or acted as if international law did not apply to them,” Callamard wrote.
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Death Toll and Ongoing Attacks
Since October 7, 2023, Israeli military operations in Gaza have killed over 51,300 people, including at least 17,400 children, according to Palestinian health authorities. Israeli authorities report that about 1,200 Israelis died in Hamas’s initial attack on October 7.
Despite repeated international pleas to protect civilians, Israeli airstrikes have continued to hit densely populated areas, including sites where civilians had been ordered to evacuate.
The invasion of Rafah particularly drew condemnation from world leaders and the International Court of Justice, who warned of catastrophic humanitarian consequences. Nevertheless, Israel proceeded, deepening fears of mass civilian casualties.
Israel Denies Allegations
Israeli officials have strongly denied Amnesty’s accusations, insisting they are acting in self-defense against Hamas and take “extraordinary measures” to protect civilians.
Israel’s government asserts that Hamas deliberately operates in civilian areas, making urban warfare unavoidable and complicating efforts to minimize civilian harm.
Still, human rights organizations maintain that targeting civilians and infrastructure, obstructing aid, and enforcing conditions leading to mass suffering constitute violations of both international humanitarian law and human rights law.
Growing Global Outcry
Calls for international accountability are growing louder. Amnesty has urged states to halt arms sales to Israel and demand an immediate ceasefire. Pressure is mounting on the International Criminal Court to accelerate investigations into alleged war crimes in Gaza.
Despite strong public pressure worldwide, diplomatic action remains limited, with the United States and several Western nations continuing to shield Israel from tougher UN Security Council measures.
As the conflict drags on, millions of Palestinians face extreme shortages of food, water, shelter, and medical care, raising urgent alarms about a looming famine.
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