Prominent Figures Reject Gaza Genocide Claims Against Israel

Over 5,000 individuals from entertainment, academia, literature, business, and public life have signed an open letter denouncing the accusation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The letter, published by the organization Creative Community for Peace in collaboration with Yossi Klein Halevi, Rabbi Yitzchak Greenberg, Rabbi Michael Oppenheimer, and Professor Jonathan Karp, distinguishes between legitimate criticism of war conduct and legal accusations of genocide.

Among the notable signatories are former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson, former Canadian Justice Minister Irwin Cotler, Professor Steven Pinker, historians Benny Morris, Sir Niall Ferguson, and Simon Sebag Montefiore, Deborah Lipstadt, Dina Porat, Haim Saban, Debra Messing, and South Africa's Chief Rabbi Warren Goldstein.

The signatories referenced the 1948 UN Genocide Convention, asserting that civilian casualties or destruction alone do not constitute evidence of genocidal intent. "In this war, only one side intended to commit genocide, and that is Hamas," the document states.

The letter warns that the discourse surrounding the genocide accusation fuels antisemitism and provides legal and moral cover for violence against Jews since October 7, 2023. Irwin Cotler described the accusation as a historical and legal distortion, while Deborah Lipstadt noted it has become widespread after originating with extremist elements. Ari Engel, CEO of the organization, emphasized the significant influence of cultural figures on public consciousness, urging the rejection of what they termed a falsehood.