Destruction in the northern Gaza Strip. Independent International Commission: Israel is responsible for ‘four acts of genocide’ in Gaza Human rights
Navi Pillay, chairwoman of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, told a UN General Assembly committee on Tuesday that Israel had committed “four genocidal acts” in Gaza and that its political leaders had “incited the commission of genocide.”
Presenting the commission’s latest report, Pillay said the experts’ findings were based on a legal analysis conducted in accordance with the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide. Palestinians in Gaza as such,” she said. “The commission also found that the President, Prime Minister and former Minister of Defense of Israel incited the commission of genocide.” on the Palestinian people in history.”
Irreplaceable losses
Pillay noted that while the ceasefire and the release of hostages and prisoners offer hope, it cannot undo the damage already done: “The Gaza Strip lies in ruins and is virtually uninhabitable.” and annexation of territory. Although the ceasefire has put these plans on hold, “recent statements by Israeli officials make it clear that these goals remain in effect.”
Occupied West Bank
The commission found that in the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, Israeli policies since October 2023—along with overt and covert support for settler violence—“indicate a clear intent to forcibly displace Palestinians, expand the presence of Israeli Jewish civilians, and annex large parts of the West Bank.” shores.”
The purpose of this policy, according to Pillai, is “to prevent any possibility of Palestinian self-determination and statehood, and to maintain an indefinite occupation.”
Attracting responsibility
Pillay called on UN Member States to ensure justice and accountability by supporting International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations and applying universal jurisdiction to prosecute suspects, including those with dual citizenship.
“It pains me to realize that in this, my last speech as chairman of this commission, I am forced to acknowledge that the post-war multilateral system was unable to prevent this genocide,” she said. “The international system has failed.”
Pillai concluded her speech by calling for “truth and reconciliation,” adding that peace can only “take root and flourish” through justice.
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Gaza: Independent International Commission of Inquiry Accuses Israel of Genocide
Call for Permanent Stop fire
Francesca Albanese, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, also addressed the General Assembly committee. In her speech, she emphasized the need for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza.
Albanese called on member states to ensure the withdrawal of the Israeli army from all occupied territories and the dismantling of Israeli settlements. In addition, the Special Rapporteur believes, countries must suspend all military, trade and diplomatic ties with Israel “until it stops genocide, illegal occupation and apartheid.”
“So we will begin to honor the memory of the victims. And if the Security Council is paralyzed, this Assembly must act in a spirit of unity for peace with greater determination than ever before,” she added.
Special Rapporteurs and other human rights experts appointed under the special procedures of the Human Rights Council are not employees of the UN and are independent of any government or organizations. They do not receive a salary for their work.