In a nearly 300-page document, Amnesty International accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The findings documented mass killings, destruction, and conditions calculated to destroy Gaza’s population.
The report, titled You Feel Like You Are Subhuman, described how Gaza’s civilians endure relentless bombardment, starvation, and suffocating restrictions on humanitarian aid, creating unlivable conditions. Amnesty’s findings included over 200 cases of fraud and corruption left unresolved. Top officials linked to misconduct have also been criticized. Israel’s public statements often announced or justified these acts, underscoring genocidal intent.
Evidence of Genocidal Intent in Gaza
Following Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel's military response brought Gaza to the brink of collapse, killing over 42,000 Palestinians, including more than 13,300 children, and injuring over 97,000 by October 7, 2024, according to the document. The offensive, characterized by devastating attacks that obliterated entire families and infrastructures, has left large parts of Gaza uninhabitable.
Furthermore, the report cited dehumanizing statements by high-ranking officials, a long-standing apartheid system, and an inhumane blockade. It found no credible justification for the unprecedented destruction or extreme aid restrictions, concluding these acts violate international law and constitute genocide.
Of 102 official statements reviewed, 22 explicitly called for or justified genocidal acts, with soldiers frequently echoing these sentiments. Amnesty argues this language and conduct provide direct evidence of genocidal intent.
The report also revealed how Israel deliberately created life-threatening conditions in Gaza. This was achieved through systematic destruction of essential infrastructure, forced displacement via mass "evacuation" orders, and severe obstruction of humanitarian aid. Since October 2023, a total blockade, coupled with bombings and restricted humanitarian access, has plunged Gaza into a catastrophic crisis.
The document noted that nearly 1.9 million people—90% of Gaza’s population—were displaced under harrowing conditions. With no safe refuge and repeated refusals to allow returns or relocation, these actions highlight deliberate intent to destroy Gaza’s population.
'Genocide Must Be Stopped': Amnesty Demands Justice
Amnesty International has condemned the international community for failing to act against Israel’s actions in Gaza, calling it a "shameful failure" that "will remain a stain on our collective conscience." Agnès Callamard, the organization's secretary general, emphasized the need for decisive action, urging states to halt arms transfers and support ICC investigations into genocide. Arrest warrants for Israeli leaders offer hope for justice, Amnesty said.
The organization also called for unconditional release of hostages and accountability for Hamas crimes, alongside targeted UN sanctions against officials responsible for violations of international law.
Israel has responded to Amnesty International's accusations, calling the organization "deplorable and fanatical" and its report "entirely false and based on lies." They emphasized the October 7 attack was a "genocidal massacre" by Hamas and assert that Israel is defending itself against daily attacks from multiple fronts "in full accordance with international law."