UN Report Accuses Israel of Genocide and War Crimes in Gaza

Key UN Reports & Findings

1. Settlement & Annexation in West Bank / East Jerusalem

• A report by the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR), covering from Nov 2023 to Oct 2024, states that Israel has been increasing settlement activity, demolishing Palestinian homes, and expanding Israeli settler outposts.
• It says these actions violate international law, including the right to self-determination, and cites the International Court of Justice confirming those legal breaches.
• It urges Israel to cease settlement activity, evacuate settlers in occupied territory, stop forcible transfers, and prevent settler attacks.

2. Sexual, Reproductive & Gender-based Violence

• A report by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) published on 13 March 2025 documents widespread sexual, reproductive, and other gender-based violence committed against Palestinians since 7 October 2023.
• It claims that many healthcare and reproductive health facilities (e.g. maternity wards, fertility clinics) have been destroyed or damaged, access to care has been restricted, which contributes to maternal deaths etc.
• The report concludes that these acts amount to war crimes and/or crimes against humanity, and that some of them might be genocidal under the relevant international treaties.

3.General Violations / Accountability Calls

• Another UN Human Rights Office report (Feb 2024) urges accountability for serious violations by “all parties” in Gaza, the West Bank (including East Jerusalem), and Israel. It documents concerns including unlawful killings, hostage-taking, destruction of civilian property, collective punishment, forced displacement, incitement to violence, sexual assault, and torture. UN News
• The report says “entrenched impunity” is a major concern, that past violations have not been properly addressed.

4. Crimes Against Humanity / “Genocide” Accusations

• The COI report mentioned above, along with NGOs like Amnesty International, have concluded that enough evidence exists to allege Israel has committed, or is committing, acts that fall under four of the categories prohibited in the 1948 Genocide Convention: killing members of the group; serious bodily or mental harm; deliberately inflicting conditions of life to bring about physical destruction (in whole or in part); and imposing measures intended to prevent births. Amnesty International
• There is a debate over the legal standard of "intent" (whether intent to destroy, in whole or in part, can be shown). The reports assert that statements and conduct provide evidence of such intent.
• 5. Impact on Children, Infrastructure, Basic Rights

• Reports also highlight mass damage to civilian‐infrastructure: schools, hospitals, maternity wards, and water/sanitation/health facilities.
• Displacement of large numbers of Palestinians, demolitions of homes (for “lack of permits” which are very difficult for Palestinians to obtain), heavy restrictions on movement, access to humanitarian aid, power/electricity etc.

6. Legal Issues / Norms Invoked

• International Humanitarian Law (IHL): protections for civilians, prohibitions on collective punishment, destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the requirement that military operations discriminate between combatants and non-combatants.
• International Human Rights Law: rights to life, health, shelter, freedom from torture, etc.
• Genocide Convention / Rome Statute: prohibition on certain acts when committed with intent to destroy a group, in whole or in part. Some reports claim four of the acts defined by the Genocide Convention are present; proving genocidal intent is a very high bar.
• Right to Self-Determination: reports allege settlement, annexation, and other practices violate Palestinians’ right to self-determination.

7. Reactions & Disputes

• Israel has rejected many of the allegations, calling some of the reports biased, misleading, or lacking proper verification. For example, Israel disputes the findings about “genocidal intent” and about systematic sexual violence. www.israelhayom.com

• Some international actors (countries, NGOs) have called for more robust action: sanctions, arms embargoes, investigations in international courts, etc.

8. Significance & Potential Consequences

• These reports increase international pressure on Israel diplomatically and legally. They may be used in international courts or tribunals, or by states to justify sanctions, arms restrictions, or other measures.
• They shape public opinion globally, potentially altering political stances in countries that support or sell arms to Israel.
• They provide documentation for victims and human rights defenders to seek accountability.
• They risk escalating tensions if seen by Israel (or its allies) as unfair or politicized.