A leading Palestinian rights organisation has accused Israel of committing
genocide in Gaza amid ongoing military operations. The group detailed
widespread destruction and civilian casualties, drawing international
condemnation and calls for urgent intervention.
Accusation of Genocide by Palestinian Rights Group
As reported by Fatima Al-Masri of Al Jazeera, the prominent
Palestinian human rights group, the Palestinian Centre for Human Rights (PCHR),
formally accused Israel of genocide in its ongoing campaign in the Gaza Strip.
The group alleges that Israeli forces have systematically targeted civilian
areas, infrastructure, and essential services in a manner amounting to genocide
under international law. PCHR’s statement came amidst escalating violence
following recent military incursions.
Mohammed Salah, spokesperson for PCHR, said,
“The deliberate targeting of civilian populations, including hospitals, schools, and residential buildings, is a clear indication of genocidal intent.”
This
accusation was published alongside detailed documentation of hundreds of civilian
deaths and mass displacement in Gaza.
Context of the Current Military Operation in Gaza
According to Ameer Al-Hadid of BBC News Middle East, the
current Israeli offensive, marked by intense airstrikes and ground operations,
has caused significant devastation in Gaza since early August 2025. Reports
indicate more than 3,000 Palestinians have been killed, including a large
number of women and children, and tens of thousands have been displaced from
their homes. Israel says its operations target militant groups and
infrastructure used for attacks on Israeli territory.
Israeli Defence Minister Eli Cohen reiterated in a recent press briefing,
“Our intent is to neutralise terrorist threats while doing our utmost to avoid civilian casualties.”
However, international observers and human rights groups contest the proportionality of Israeli tactics.
International Reaction and Human Rights Organisations’ Responses
As reported by Lina Haddad of Human Rights Watch, the
organisation has expressed grave concern at the rising number of civilian
casualties and destruction in Gaza. Though not officially declaring genocide,
HRW has criticised both sides for actions endangering civilians. They
emphasised urgent calls for ceasefire and respect for international
humanitarian law.
Meanwhile, Amnesty International, cited by journalist Sarah
Levine, released a statement condemning what it calls “gross violations of
human rights and war crimes” in Gaza, echoing the calls for accountability from
both Israeli and Palestinian armed groups. Amnesty stopped short of using the
term genocide but urged the UN to investigate all allegations thoroughly.
UN and Global Diplomatic Community’s Stance
According to Reuters correspondent Mark Benson, the United
Nations Secretary-General António Guterres expressed deep concern over the
bloodshed and called for immediate humanitarian access in Gaza. The UN has been
appealing for an end to hostilities and has warned of an impending humanitarian
disaster due to the siege and blockade.
Several countries have voiced their positions: some Western
nations have reiterated Israel’s right to self-defence, stressing the need to
minimise civilian harm, while many nations in the Global South and the Arab
League have openly condemned Israel’s actions as disproportionate and
unacceptable, demanding international intervention.
Statements from Israeli and Palestinian Authorities
Israeli Prime Minister David Levy affirmed Israel’s commitment to eradicating terrorists but acknowledged the challenges in avoiding civilian casualties in densely populated areas. Levy stated during a security conference,
“We are facing a complex enemy embedded in civilian settings, but we remain determined to protect our citizens.”
On the Palestinian side, Hamas leadership has welcomed the
international attention on Gaza’s plight. A senior Hamas official, Khaled
Al-Masri, declared, “Our people are under siege and subjected to collective
punishment. The world must act decisively to end this aggression.”
Prospects for Peace
The accusations of genocide by PCHR mark a significant
escalation in the rhetoric surrounding the Gaza conflict, drawing renewed
international scrutiny. While Israel maintains its operations target legitimate
security threats, the humanitarian toll and widespread destruction have provoked
strong condemnation and calls for accountability.
Analysts suggest that without effective mediation and genuine political dialogues, the situation risks further deterioration, prolonging the suffering of civilians caught in the conflict.