Israel has categorically rejected an Amnesty International report accusing it of committing genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, calling the allegations “entirely false.”
“The deplorable and fanatical organisation Amnesty International has once again produced a fabricated report that is entirely false and based on lies,” Israel’s foreign ministry stated on Thursday.
The ministry emphasized that Israel’s military actions in Gaza were a response to Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which it described as “genocidal” in nature. “Israel is defending itself… acting fully in accordance with international law,” the statement added.
Amnesty’s Findings
The Amnesty report, over 300 pages long, alleges “dehumanising and genocidal statements by Israeli government and military officials,” supported by satellite imagery, field research, and testimonies from Gaza residents. Amnesty called the findings a “wake-up call” for the global community and urged states to cease transferring weapons to Israel.
Casualty Figures
The war began with Hamas’s October 7 attack, which killed 1,208 people in Israel, primarily civilians, according to an AFP tally based on official data. In response, Israel’s military campaign in Gaza has resulted in the deaths of at least 44,532 people, also mostly civilians, according to the Hamas-run Gaza health ministry. These figures have been deemed credible by the United Nations.
International Implications
Amnesty’s report adds to growing international scrutiny of the conflict, urging global leaders to address what it describes as escalating humanitarian and legal violations in the region. However, Israel’s firm dismissal highlights the continued polarization surrounding accountability in the conflict.
