What are the genocide allegations?

The accusation is that Israel has not simply fought Hamas, but has carried out actions intended to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, at least in part, as a group. Israel strongly denies this.

Genocide has a very specific legal meaning. Killing huge numbers of civilians alone does not automatically prove genocide. There must also be evidence of an intent to destroy a protected group, in whole or in part.

Those arguing that genocide has occurred point to a combination of factors: large-scale killing and serious injury of Palestinians; destruction of homes and civilian infrastructure; mass displacement; restrictions on food, water, medicine and other essentials; and statements made by some Israeli political and military leaders.

Israel argues that its intention is to destroy Hamas, not the Palestinian people, and says civilian deaths and destruction have resulted from fighting an armed group operating in densely populated areas.

This is no longer an allegation made only by activists. Amnesty International and the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry have concluded that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza.

However, the International Court of Justice has not yet made a final ruling that Israel committed genocide. The case brought by South Africa is still ongoing.

That distinction matters: Some major international investigations have concluded that genocide has occurred. The world’s highest court has not yet given its final answer.