Why are Israeli actions being accused of genocide?

Because major human-rights and UN investigations have concluded that Israel’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide. Israel strongly rejects that conclusion.

Genocide has a specific meaning in international law. It requires prohibited acts — such as killing members of a protected group or deliberately creating conditions capable of destroying it — combined with intent to destroy that group, in whole or in part, as such.

Investigators examined Palestinians killed and injured, destruction of civilian infrastructure, displacement, restrictions on essentials needed for survival and statements by Israeli officials.

In September 2025, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry concluded that Israel had committed genocide in Gaza, finding evidence of genocidal acts and intent. Amnesty International separately concluded in December 2024 that Israel had committed and continued to commit genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

Israel rejects these findings. It says it is fighting Hamas rather than attempting to destroy the Palestinian people, and says civilian deaths are a tragic consequence of fighting in densely populated areas.

The International Court of Justice has not made a final ruling on whether Israel committed genocide. South Africa’s case remains before the court.

So it would be misleading to say only that Israel has been accused of genocide. Major international investigative bodies have reached that conclusion, while the world’s highest court has yet to deliver its final judgment.