A landmark report released today by the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry has concluded that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, marking a significant and grave accusation under international law. The commission, mandated by the UN Human Rights Council, stated in its September 16, 2025 findings that Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts as defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention. The report, which is based on investigations spanning from October 7, 2023, to July 31, 2025, also asserts that Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, have incited these acts.
Core Findings of the UN Inquiry
The commission detailed that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute the killing of members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about the group’s physical destruction, and imposing measures intended to prevent births. According to the report, explicit statements by Israeli civilian and military authorities, coupled with the pattern of conduct by Israeli security forces, provide clear evidence of a genocidal intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza as a group.
“The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza,” stated Navi Pillay, Chair of the Commission. She emphasized that “It is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza through acts that meet the criteria set forth in the Genocide Convention”. Pillay further noted that the responsibility for these atrocity crimes lies with Israeli authorities at the highest echelons, who have orchestrated a genocidal campaign. The commission also concluded that Israel has failed to prevent and punish the commission of genocide, through a failure to investigate and prosecute alleged perpetrators.
Evidence of Genocidal Acts and Intent
The report outlines a range of evidence supporting its conclusions. This includes the killing of tens of thousands of Palestinians, a disproportionate number of whom are women and children, as a result of military operations. The commission cited the systematic destruction of essential civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential neighborhoods, beyond what could be justified by military necessity.
Furthermore, the inquiry highlighted Israel’s imposition of a total siege on Gaza, cutting off food, water, power, and medical aid, leading to starvation and deliberate infliction of conditions of life calculated to bring about physical destruction. The report specifically mentions the destruction of Gaza’s largest IVF clinic, which led to the loss of thousands of embryos, sperm, and eggs, constituting a measure intended to prevent births.
Statements from Israeli leaders, such as then-Defense Minister Yoav Gallant’s description of Palestinians as “human animals,” and President Isaac Herzog’s assertion that “it’s an entire nation out there that is responsible,” are presented as direct evidence of genocidal intent. The commission also noted Israel’s persistence with its actions despite the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) provisional measures orders.
Israel’s Categorical Rejection
Israeli authorities have vehemently rejected the commission’s findings. The Israeli Foreign Ministry issued a statement calling the report “distorted and false” and a “scandalous and fake libellous rant”. Israel has accused the UN panel of promoting a narrative serving Hamas and of being biased, asserting that the commission ignored evidence and echoed Hamas propaganda. Israel maintains that its actions in Gaza are in self-defense following the October 7, 2023, Hamas attacks.
Broader Context and International Implications
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel was established in May 2021 to investigate violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Its findings are considered the most authoritative UN determination to date on the Gaza war.
The report urges Israel and all states to fulfill their legal obligations under international law to end the genocide and punish those responsible. The commission also called for compliance with the International Court of Justice’s orders for provisional measures, which aim to prevent genocidal acts. The findings come amid ongoing legal proceedings, including the International Criminal Court’s investigation into alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, which has seen arrest warrants issued for Israeli and Hamas officials. South Africa’s case against Israel at the ICJ, alleging genocide in Gaza, is also ongoing.
The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains extremely dire, with widespread destruction, severe food shortages, and the collapse of essential services, underscoring the gravity of the report’s findings. The global community now faces the report’s call to action, with implications for international law and accountability for atrocities worldwide.