A United Nations Commission of Inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, stating that the actions of Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, demonstrate intent to destroy the Palestinian population. The report, released on Tuesday, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing conflict and highlights the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The commission, led by Navi Pillay, a former UN rights chief, concluded that Israel has committed four of the five acts defined as genocide under the 1948 Genocide Convention. These acts include killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life intended to bring about the group's destruction, and imposing measures to prevent births within the group. The only criterion not met, according to the commission, is the forcible transfer of children.

Pillay stated, "The Commission finds that Israel is responsible for the commission of genocide in Gaza. 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." The report is based on extensive legal analysis and evidence, including interviews with victims and witnesses, as well as satellite imagery.

Israel has vehemently rejected the findings, labeling the report as "distorted and false." The Israeli Foreign Ministry described the commission as biased and accused its members of being proxies for Hamas. Israel's ambassador to the UN in Geneva, Daniel Meron, called the report "scandalous" and insisted that it was based on falsehoods.

The commission's findings come nearly two years after the outbreak of conflict following Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in significant casualties. Since then, Israeli military actions in Gaza have reportedly led to the deaths of nearly 65,000 people, according to figures from the Hamas-run health ministry.

The report urges the international community to take action, including halting arms transfers to Israel and holding accountable those responsible for the alleged genocide. Pillay emphasized, "The international community cannot stay silent on the genocidal campaign launched by Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza. When clear signs and evidence of genocide emerge, the absence of action to stop it amounts to complicity."

The commission's work is independent and does not officially represent the UN, but its findings could influence future legal actions, including those at the International Criminal Court. The commission has been gathering evidence and cooperating with the ICC, which has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and other Israeli officials for alleged war crimes.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the commission's report adds to the growing calls for accountability and intervention from the international community. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, has also expressed concern over the situation but has refrained from labeling it as genocide, stating that only courts can make such determinations.

The commission's findings are expected to reignite debates over Israel's military actions and the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as well as the broader implications for international law and human rights.