JERUSALEM: Israel has vehemently rejected claims made by a United Nations committee that its military actions in Gaza amount to genocide.

The Israeli foreign ministry labeled the committee's accusations as "anti-Israel fabrications" and part of a broader pattern of bias against the nation.

In a report, the UN special committee accused Israel of "intentionally causing death, starvation, and serious injury" to civilians in the Gaza Strip. It alleged that Israel is employing starvation as a tactic of war, amidst a backdrop of ongoing siege and the obstruction of humanitarian aid.

The Israeli foreign ministry responded sharply, calling the report an "appalling example" of the UN manipulating its position to benefit terrorist organizations targeting civilian populations in democratic states.

Spokesman Oren Marmorstein shared the ministry's stance on social media, emphasizing their assertion that these claims are "false."

UN Committee's Report

The UN committee's report noted that Israeli actions—including the blockade of Gaza, hindering humanitarian assistance, and targeted attacks on civilians and aid workers—have continued despite numerous UN appeals, orders from the International Court of Justice, and resolutions passed by the Security Council.

In defense, Israel stated that its military efforts are solely aimed at dismantling the capabilities of Hamas, which it accuses of using civilians as human shields.

The foreign ministry reiterated Israel's commitment to ensuring humanitarian aid reaches Gaza, despite challenges faced by aid organizations.

Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza

Notably, humanitarian agencies, including those affiliated with the UN, often report significant barriers, particularly bureaucratic hurdles, that impede their operations in Gaza, a territory currently experiencing a dire humanitarian crisis exacerbated by the ongoing conflict.

Previous Accusations

This controversy is not new, as Israel has previously faced accusations of genocide, including a case before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in December 2023 alleging violations of the UN's Genocide Convention—claims that Israel continues to strongly deny.

International Reactions

Adding to tensions, the United States, Israel's principal ally, has also dismissed the UN committee’s allegations as unfounded, reflecting a divide in the international response to the situation.

Conflict Background

The current conflict escalated following an unprecedented assault by Hamas on October 7, 2023, which resulted in over 1,200 deaths in Israel, primarily among civilians.

Conversely, the ongoing hostilities have led to staggering losses in Gaza, with the Hamas-run health ministry reporting that, over 13 months of warfare, the death toll has soared to 43,846.

Upcoming Presentation

This report from the UN committee has been slated for presentation to the General Assembly in New York on Monday, potentially igniting further debate on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict on a global stage.

Stay tuned for more updates as the situation develops—this story is far from over!