The International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has declared that Israel’s policies and practices constitute a genocide in Gaza under the international law, urging governments to halt arms supplies to Tel Aviv and to pursue accountability through international courts.
Strong Evidence of Genocide in Gaza
In an interview, Timothy Williams, Vice President of the association, stated that over the past two years, researchers gathered conclusive evidence proving that Israel’s actions are not simply acts of war but rather a systematic genocide targeting the Palestinian people.
According to Williams, these crimes go beyond the killing of tens of thousands of civilians and include:
- Destruction of agriculture and infrastructure.
- Blocking access to clean water.
- Targeting healthcare systems.
- Imposing deliberate starvation against Palestinians.
Israeli Leaders’ Declarations Reveal Intent
Timothy Williams highlighted that statements made by several Israeli political and military leaders explicitly express their intent to destroy the Palestinian people—meeting the core requirement of genocide under international law.
A Historic Scientific Decision
The association, which includes around 500 leading experts and researchers in genocide studies, voted by 86% in favor of a resolution affirming that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition outlined in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
The Government Media Office in Gaza welcomed the decision, calling it a respected scientific confirmation that strengthens legal cases before the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ).
Calls to End Arms Supplies to Israel
The IAGS stressed that states are legally prohibited from assisting governments engaged in genocide, calling on the international community to halt weapons transfers to Israel and exert political pressure to stop the war.
Thinking About the Future of Palestinians
Beyond documenting crimes, Williams emphasized the need for governments to consider a just future for Palestinians—rejecting plans that undermine their rights, such as U.S. President Donald Trump’s proposal that aimed to displace Gaza’s population.
Shifts in International Positions
Williams also pointed out a recent shift in the positions of European powers such as France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, describing it as an important step in the right direction.
However, he insisted that greater efforts are required to end what he described as the “ongoing genocide.”
