UN Inquiry Accuses Israel of Genocide in Gaza, War Crimes in West Bank

A UN Commission of Inquiry has released a report accusing Israel of committing genocide in the Gaza Strip and war crimes, including torture and sexual violence, in the West Bank. The commission stated that despite a ceasefire that took effect in October 2025, Israel continues its actions with the "intent to destroy, in whole or in part, the Palestinian population in Gaza." The report claims that the expansion of IDF operations in Gaza after the ceasefire led to the deaths of at least 196 Palestinians, including 18 women and 32 children. The commission also alleged that Israeli soldiers and prison guards committed war crimes and crimes against humanity in the West Bank, citing instances of torture, rape, and other forms of sexual violence against Palestinian detainees, including six cases of sexual violence against male detainees from Gaza at the Shdei Teyman military detention facility.

Israel has vehemently rejected the report, calling for the commission's dissolution and labeling the document a "false campaign aimed at demonizing the State of Israel." The Foreign Ministry described the report as "a baseless propaganda document" and an example of the UN dedicating resources to anti-Israel propaganda, arguing it undermines Israel's right to self-defense and legitimizes jihadist terror. The Associated Press (AP) has stated it could not verify the commission's most serious allegations, including those of sexual assault against Palestinian detainees.

The report also criticized the Palestinian Authority (PA) for harming dissenting Palestinians, journalists, and human rights activists, and for failing to conduct effective, impartial investigations into killings. The commission's chairperson, retired Judge Srinivasan N. Muralidharan, stated that the "deliberate killing and maiming of Palestinian civilians and destruction of homes in the West Bank, along with Israel's consistent denial of responsibility, are part of a broader strategy to destroy and uproot Palestinians and impose unbearable living conditions on them." He added that comparing a Palestinian state to a threat to Israel's existence "blocks any viable attempt" at Palestinian self-determination.

The commission recommended that Israel comply with the International Court of Justice's July 2024 advisory opinion, immediately end the "occupation," and evacuate all settlers and settlements. It also called for Israel to cease confiscating Palestinian property and land and return it to its owners, while the PA should stop harming human rights activists, conduct independent investigations, and compensate victims. Separately, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk expressed concern over IDF operations in Hebron, warning of potential "ethnic cleansing" in the West Bank due to collective punishment and threats aimed at emptying entire neighborhoods.

The article also briefly mentions ongoing IDF operations in Gaza, including the elimination of Hamas and Islamic Jihad terrorists and the destruction of a sniper post. The IDF released footage of targeted killings and the discovery of an underground tunnel adjacent to a terrorist's home.