‘Israeli’ rights groups accuse government of genocide in Gaza
Two prominent "Israeli" human rights organizations, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights–Israel (PHRI), have accused the "Israeli" government of committing genocide in Gaza, citing months of field investigations and testimonies.
In a joint press conference held Monday in Jerusalem, the groups said "Israel" is implementing “a system of genocide aimed at destroying Palestinian society in Gaza.”
While both organizations have long been critical of" Israeli" policies, their latest reports marked the strongest condemnation to date.
"A hard truth"
Yuli Novak, executive director of B’Tselem, said: “Nothing prepares you for the realization that you are part of a society perpetrating genocide. It’s an extremely painful moment. As Israelis and Palestinians living here, witnessing testimonies and the reality daily, we have a duty to speak the truth as clearly as possible: Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians.”
PHRI’s report focused on what it described as the “calculated and systematic dismantling of Gaza’s healthcare system.”
Asil Abu Rass, director of PHRI’s occupied territories department, said doctors have been killed, detained illegally, and tortured.
She cited the case of a displaced pregnant woman who gave birth far from any functioning hospital: “Next month, 5,500 women are expected to give birth in Gaza, including 1,400 C-sections, none of them in a safe, equipped hospital.”
PHRI also said childbirth rates in Gaza have dropped by 41 percent due to the collapse of the healthcare system. The organization urged international actors to pressure "Israel" to implement a ceasefire and allow unimpeded humanitarian access.
"Israeli" government rejects claims
David Mencer, a spokesperson for the "Israeli" prime minister's office, dismissed the accusations as baseless: “We have freedom of expression in Israel, but we strongly reject this charge. Our military targets only terrorists. Hamas is responsible for Gaza’s suffering.”
"Israel’s" army also denied the allegations, saying it follows international law and accuses Hamas of using civilians as human shields.
Hamas responds: A testimony from within "Israel"
Hamas welcomed the findings, describing them as “a clear internal "Israeli" admission of the gravity of crimes committed by the occupation.”
In a statement, the group said: “This documentation confirms that the occupation is committing full-fledged genocide, aiming to dismantle and erase Palestinian society in Gaza.”
Hamas accused "Israel" of using humanitarian aid claims to deflect international pressure, calling on the International Court of Justice to advance its genocide case and for the International Criminal Court to prosecute "Israeli" leaders as war criminals.
