Scholars Label Israeli Actions in Gaza as Genocide

The largest professional organisation of scholars studying genocide said Monday that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.

- AGENCIES The Hague, 1 September

The determination by the International Association of Genocide Scholars — which has around 500 members worldwide, including a number of Holocaust experts — could serve to further isolate Israel in global public opinion and adds to a growing chorus of organisations that have used the term for Israel's actions in Gaza. Israel has repeatedly rejected the accusation.

"Israel's policies and actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide," as well as crimes against humanity and war crimes, according to the group's resolution, which was supported by 86 per cent of those who voted. The organisation did not release the specifics of the voting. "People who are experts in the study of genocide can see this situation for what it is," Melanie O'Brien, the organisation's president and a professor of international law at the University of Western Australia, told agencies.