Israeli Human Rights Groups Break Silence, Accuse State of Genocide in Gaza

 

                                            Report accuses Israel of displacement, bombing, starvation

Two of Israel’s most prominent human rights organizations—B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel (PHRI)—have made a historic and explosive accusation: that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.

At a press conference in Jerusalem on July 28, 2025, the groups released separate but aligned reports detailing what they describe as coordinated, deliberate actions by the Israeli government and military aimed at the destruction of Palestinian society in Gaza. B’Tselem’s report, titled “Our Genocide,” cites mass killings, forced displacement, starvation, and the destruction of infrastructure as evidence of genocidal intent.

PHRI focused on the systematic dismantling of Gaza’s healthcare system, arguing that the destruction was both calculated and sustained over the 22-month war. Dr. Guy Shalev of PHRI emphasized that Israel’s actions meet the criteria under Article 2(c) of the Genocide Convention, which includes “deliberate infliction of conditions of life calculated to bring about the group's destruction”.

Israeli officials have vehemently denied the allegations. Government spokesperson David Mencer called the claims “baseless,” arguing that the delivery of humanitarian aid contradicts any genocidal intent.

The reports come amid growing international scrutiny, including a genocide case brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice. While global human rights organizations like Amnesty International have previously made similar accusations, this marks the first time major Israeli groups have joined the chorus.

Yuli Novak, Executive Director of B’Tselem, acknowledged the emotional and moral weight of the accusation: “Nothing prepares you for the realization that you are part of a society committing genocide. This is a deeply painful moment for us”.

The reports have intensified calls for international intervention and raised urgent questions about the future of Israeli-Palestinian relations, the role of Western allies, and the limits of self-defense in modern warfare.