New York Navi Pillay, Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, presented a damning report to the UN General Assembly, stating that Israel is responsible for four genocidal acts in Gaza, with senior leaders accused of inciting genocide.
Key findings from the report:
- Legal basis: The commission’s conclusions are grounded in the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, asserting that Israel acted with specific intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza.
- Named officials: The report accuses the Israeli President, Prime Minister, and former Defense Minister of incitement, citing public endorsements of deportation, settlement construction, and annexation.
- Humanitarian devastation: Pillay described the situation as “the most ruthless, prolonged and widespread attack against the Palestinian people in history,” noting that Gaza has been rendered nearly uninhabitable despite a fragile ceasefire.
- West Bank violations: The commission also found that Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank and East Jerusalem show intent to forcibly transfer Palestinians, expand Jewish civilian presence, and annex territory, undermining Palestinian self-determination.
- Call for justice: Pillay urged UN Member States to support International Criminal Court (ICC) investigations and use universal jurisdiction to prosecute suspects, including dual nationals. She lamented the failure of the post-WWII multilateral system to prevent genocide.
- Special Rapporteur’s appeal: Francesca Albanese called for a permanent ceasefire, Israeli withdrawal from occupied territories, and suspension of military, trade, and diplomatic ties until Israel ends its alleged genocide and occupation.
The report marks Pillay’s final presentation as commission chair and calls for transitional justice and truth and reconciliation to pave the way for peace.
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