Gaza genocide

The Gaza genocide is the ongoing, intentional, and systematic destruction of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip carried out by Israel during the Gaza war. These acts of  genocide include mass killing, using starvation as a weapon of war, and killing healthcare workers and aid helpers and include blockading. Israeli forces also destroy houses, hospitals, schools, and  cultural sites. They force many people to move out of their homes. Israeli forces commit acts of  sexual violence, and prevent births. 

Israel denies it is committing genocide, stating that its actions are self-defense against Hamas after the October 7 attacks. A case on this issue is before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

Overview 

Over 60,000 Palestinians have been killed during this genocide so far, and most of the victims have been women and children. The genocide was initiated by the October 7 attacks, in which militant groups killed over 1,200 people. Most of the victims were visiting or working in Israel.

South Africa v. Israel

The government of South Africa accused Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). They said that Israel had violated the Genocide Convention. 

The ICJ allowed South Africa to bring its case, while Palestinians were recognised to have a right to protection from genocide. ("The court decided that the Palestinians had a plausible right to be protected from genocide, and that South Africa had the right to present that claim in the court."); Order, S. Afr., No. 192 (ICJ 26 January 2024), ¶ 54 ("In the Court's view, the facts and circumstances mentioned above are sufficient to conclude that at least some of the rights claimed by South Africa and for which it is seeking protection are plausible. This is the case with respect to the right of the Palestinians in Gaza to be protected from acts of genocide and related prohibited acts identified in Article III, and the right of South Africa to seek Israel's compliance with the latter's obligations under the Convention."). The court ordered Israel to take all measures within its power to stop any genocidal acts and to allow humanitarian service into Gaza. The court later ordered Israel to increase humanitarian aid into Gaza and to stop the Rafah offensive. Israel did not follow the orders.

Opinions
Many groups, including the United Nations, UN Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territories Francesca Albanese, and Human Rights Watch have said that Israeli leaders and government want to commit genocide against the Palestinians of Gaza. 

The Israeli government has denied South Africa's accusations and said that Israel is defending itself.

Public polls
According to a survey released in June 2025, 49% of Canadians and 38% of Americans agreed that "Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip". 

According to a public opinion poll by YouGov plc released in April 2024, 46% of Swedes, 43% of Belgians, 34% of French people, and 33% of Germans agreed that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. 

In a German poll from June 2025, 73% said that there was "some truth" to the claim that Israel was committing genocide. 

According to a survey in May 2024, 71% of Spaniards thought Israel's actions were genocide. 

In an Italian poll published in June 2025, 50% of people said Israel's military operation in Gaza "can be defined as genocide". 

In a June 2025 British poll, 55% were against Israel's war on Gaza and 82% believed Israel was committing genocide. 

A January 2024 poll of Israeli Jews found that 51% believed the Israel Defense Forces was using the right amount of force in Gaza, while 43% believed it was not using enough.

Related pages

 South Africa v. Israel
 Palestinian political violence
 7 October 2023 attack on Israel

Notes

References

Category:Controversies
Category:Israel–Hamas war
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