Israel has an undeniable right to exist and defend itself, as does any nation. However, its government’s actions in Gaza, the West Bank, and beyond must be held to the same standards of accountability that we demand from any governing body. As humans, we owe it to ourselves and future generations to ensure the facts remain clear and to advocate for justice and equity.

The Gaza Conflict: Beyond Hamas

Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which included taking hostages and targeting civilians, was a blatant violation of international law. No justification exists for such actions. However, Israel’s military response in Gaza raises profound questions about proportionality, intent, and the broader treatment of Palestinians.

Civilian Impact in Gaza

Humanitarian reports highlight the following:

• Civilian Casualties: Thousands of Palestinians have been killed, many of whom were women and children. Entire families have been wiped out in single strikes. (UN OCHA)

• Destruction of Infrastructure: Bombing campaigns have devastated homes, hospitals, and schools, leaving Gaza’s population without essential resources.

• Deliberate Deprivation: The blockade on Gaza has restricted access to food, water, and medical supplies for years. Recent military actions have compounded these conditions, creating an unlivable environment for civilians. (Amnesty International)

Allegations of Forced Participation

Credible reports have surfaced about the use of Palestinian detainees and civilians in clearing operations, which would violate international law, including the Geneva Conventions. Such actions, if verified, underscore the need for impartial investigations and accountability.

The West Bank: A Parallel Narrative

In the West Bank, systemic oppression paints a grim picture:

• Land Confiscation: Expansion of settlements has displaced Palestinians and deprived them of ancestral lands. (Human Rights Watch)

• Daily Oppression: Military checkpoints, home demolitions, and unequal access to resources create daily hardship for Palestinians.

• Settler Violence: Violent attacks by settlers have terrorized Palestinian communities, often with impunity.

When combined with the ongoing siege in Gaza, the actions in the West Bank suggest a broader effort to fragment Palestinian society and diminish its ability to thrive as a cohesive group.

Genocide? The Legal Argument

The 1948 UN Convention on Genocide defines genocide as acts committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group. The actions in Gaza and the West Bank align with several criteria:

1. Killing Members of the Group: The scale of civilian deaths is undeniable.

2. Causing Serious Bodily or Mental Harm: Systemic oppression, deprivation, and violence in both territories.

3. Imposing Conditions of Life: The blockade in Gaza and resource restrictions in the West Bank.

While proving genocidal intent is legally complex, the cumulative impact of these actions strongly suggests patterns consistent with genocide.

A Call for Accountability

As humans, we must do better. Holding governments accountable for their actions is not an attack on a nation’s right to exist—it’s a defense of our shared humanity. Israel’s government must:

• Cease actions that disproportionately harm civilians.

• Comply with international humanitarian law.

• Open itself to impartial investigation and accountability.

Similarly, the international community must act decisively to address human rights violations, regardless of political alliances or geopolitical interests.

Conclusion

This is not about taking sides but about taking a stand for justice and humanity. Israel has the right to defend itself, but its government’s treatment of Palestinians—whether in Gaza or the West Bank—must meet international standards of accountability. As global citizens, it’s our responsibility to keep the facts intact and demand better for everyone involved.