Israeli Rights Groups Accuse Government of Genocide: A National Taboo Shattered

In a groundbreaking move, two Israeli rights groups have leveled accusations that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, a first for local Jewish-led organizations amid the ongoing conflict. The claims by B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel add a new dimension to an already intense international debate regarding the nature of Israel's military operations in the region.

These accusations follow an attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, that led to Israel's military response. Traditionally, even the most vociferous critics in Israel have avoided using terms like genocide, due to the historical weight of the Holocaust. However, the rights groups' reports argue that the conditions enforced in Gaza meet criteria for genocide under international law.

While Israeli officials maintain that their actions comply with international law and that civilian casualties in Gaza are largely due to Hamas using civilians as human shields, the rights groups' reports, based on testimonies and legal analysis, depict a systematic dismantling of Gaza's health infrastructure. These findings echo earlier international reports and challenge Israel's narrative, stirring further controversy both domestically and internationally.

(With inputs from agencies.)