Two Israeli rights groups accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza

Post by : Monika

Photo: Reuters

On July 28, 2025, two respected human rights organizations in Israel — B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel (PHR) — made a powerful and emotional announcement. In separate but coordinated reports presented together at a press conference in Jerusalem, they stated that Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip.

This marks the first time that major Israeli groups have openly accused their own government of such a serious crime. The term “genocide” carries deep meaning in Israel, a country founded after the Holocaust. That’s why this announcement shocked many and is now being widely discussed across the country and around the world.

What the Reports Say
B’Tselem’s Statement:

B’Tselem, a well-known Israeli human rights organization, said the people of Gaza have been forced from their homes, bombed, starved, and denied their basic human rights. The group’s executive director, Yuli Novak, expressed deep sadness. She said, “The report we are publishing today is one we never imagined we would have to write.”

The report from B’Tselem described Israel’s actions as not random or accidental. Instead, it said they were part of a clear and organized effort to destroy Palestinian life in Gaza. They believe the military campaign has caused not only physical harm but also taken away the dignity of people living there.

PHR’s Report:

Physicians for Human Rights-Israel focused on how the healthcare system in Gaza has been almost completely destroyed. Their report said hospitals, clinics, water systems, and electricity supplies have been damaged or wiped out in a methodical way.

They argue that these acts are not simply side effects of war, but a deliberate attempt to create conditions that are impossible for people to survive. They said this meets the legal definition of genocide — which includes actions intended to destroy a group of people by creating deadly living conditions.

Together, both groups say that the words of Israeli leaders, along with military actions on the ground, show an intent to eliminate Gaza’s people — not just defeat Hamas, the group that controls Gaza.

Why This Is a Big Deal
Calling something a genocide is very serious. Inside Israel, it is almost never used when talking about their own government. For these groups to use it now is a very bold and emotional decision.

Most Israelis still believe that the war began as a necessary response to the deadly Hamas attack on October 7, 2023. For that reason, many citizens and leaders are likely to reject the idea that genocide is happening. Still, the reports from B’Tselem and PHR are now forcing more people to ask tough questions about what’s happening in Gaza.

What Israel Says in Response
The Israeli government strongly rejected the accusations made by B’Tselem and PHR. A spokesperson for the government called the claims completely false and politically motivated. They said there is no intent to destroy the Palestinian people — which is a key point in any legal case of genocide.

The spokesperson also pointed out that Israel continues to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza. They said over 1.9 million tons of food and supplies have been sent, and this would not be happening if the goal were to wipe out the population.

Officials added that their military actions are targeted at Hamas, not civilians. They stressed that Israel warns civilians before attacks and creates safe corridors to help protect them.

Details from the Reports
What B’Tselem Found:

• Many families have been forced to flee their homes in fear.
• Civilian areas have been heavily bombed, leading to huge destruction.
• Food, water, and electricity have been cut off, leading to hunger and suffering.
• People are living without basic rights or safety.
• All of this, B’Tselem says, is part of a planned campaign to destroy Palestinian society in Gaza.
• What PHR Discovered:
• Gaza’s healthcare system is almost entirely broken.
• Hospitals and clinics have been targeted and damaged.
• Clean water and power supplies have been destroyed.
• These actions, PHR says, are designed to make survival impossible.
• They believe this matches the legal description of genocide, as it causes long-term harm to the people.

Broader Context
These powerful statements come at a time when international concern about Israel’s actions in Gaza is growing. For many months, human rights groups like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have said that some of Israel’s actions could be seen as genocide.

South Africa has already taken legal action against Israel at the International Court of Justice (ICJ). That case aims to determine if Israel’s actions break international law and the Genocide Convention.

In addition, the International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Israeli leaders, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. These charges include using starvation as a weapon of war.

Despite these international actions, most Israelis have continued to support their government. However, small signs of change are now appearing. Some newspapers and television stations are showing more images of suffering in Gaza. These scenes are starting to affect public opinion.

Voices from Inside Israel
Some Israeli citizens have started speaking out. A teacher from Jerusalem shared her feelings after seeing pictures of starving children in Gaza. She said she felt heartbroken and conflicted. On one hand, she wants to support her country. But on the other hand, she feels pain seeing innocent people suffer.

Orly Noy, the chairperson of B’Tselem’s board, called for urgent global action. She said the world must not stay silent while people suffer. She also said other countries have a duty to speak up — especially those that support Israel or sell weapons to it.

Why the Word “Genocide” Matters
After World War II and the Holocaust, the world created the Genocide Convention in 1948. This law defines genocide as actions meant to destroy, either fully or partly, a group based on nationality, ethnicity, race, or religion.

• Some of the acts that count as genocide include:
• Killing people from the group
• Causing serious bodily or mental harm
• Creating living conditions that lead to mass deaths
• B’Tselem and PHR believe Israel is doing all three of these things in Gaza:
• Killing civilians in large numbers through bombing.
• Creating mental suffering by forcing people to live in fear and hopelessness.
• Causing starvation and a lack of medical care by destroying services.

What Might Happen Next

• Several important things could happen in the coming weeks and months:
• The ICJ will continue to study the case brought by South Africa. If it finds Israel guilty, this could change how other countries treat Israel.
• Other nations or legal groups might also begin their own investigations.
• Inside Israel, the conversation about the war could grow more serious. Some people might begin to question the official story.
• The international community could push harder for a ceasefire or new peace talks.
• What happened: Two respected Israeli human rights groups accused their government of genocide in Gaza.
• Their claims: They say civilians are being harmed by bombings, starvation, and destroyed health services.
• Legal view: The groups say these actions meet the definition of genocide under international law.
• Israel’s reply: The government denied the accusations, saying its actions are aimed at Hamas, not civilians, and that it is providing aid.
• International reaction: Other rights groups and governments are taking legal action or speaking out.
• Impact inside Israel: These are rare accusations that may lead to deeper debate and reflection within Israeli society.
• Looking ahead: The world is watching closely, and new developments in court and diplomacy are expected soon.