Geneva, Francesca Albanese, the Special Rapporteur on the occupied Palestinian territory, has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, following a detailed report presented to the UN Human Rights Council. The report highlights the devastating impact of Israel’s military operations over five months, which have resulted in widespread destruction and a staggering number of Palestinian casualties.
According to Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Albanese’s findings reveal the systematic destruction of Gaza’s infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, homes, and agricultural land. The report emphasizes the profound harm inflicted on the population, particularly on children, pregnant women, and young mothers, suggesting these actions constitute prima facie evidence of an intent to destroy the Palestinians as a group.
Albanese’s analysis points to Israel’s actions and patterns of violence, bolstered by dehumanizing rhetoric from high-ranking officials and reflected in soldiers’ conduct, as meeting the criteria for genocide. Since October 7, over 32,333 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 13,000 children, with thousands more presumed dead or injured. The report notes that 70% of residential areas have been obliterated, displacing 80% of Gaza’s population and forcing two million people into conditions of hunger and starvation.
The Special Rapporteur criticizes the pervasive anti-Palestinian discourse within Israeli society, which she claims supports the eradication and forcible removal of Palestinians. The report accuses Israeli leadership and military personnel of intentionally distorting international humanitarian law principles to legitimize violence against Palestinians, describing it as a form of “humanitarian camouflage” for a genocidal campaign.
Highlighting the ongoing settler colonial process aimed at erasing Palestinian presence and rights over 70 years, Albanese calls for immediate action to halt and remedy what she terms “the ongoing Nakba.” The report urges Israel and international states to adhere to their obligations under the Genocide Convention to prevent further loss of life, assist survivors, and ensure accountability.
Albanese’s report represents a dire call to the international community to address the severe and ongoing crisis in Gaza, underscoring the need for immediate measures to protect Palestinian lives and rights.