The United Nations Special Commission of Inquiry on Israeli Practices stated that “Israel’s war in Gaza is consistent with the characteristics of genocide with large numbers of deaths, injuries and life-threatening conditions deliberately imposed on Palestinians there.”

“Since the beginning of the war, Israeli officials have publicly supported policies that rob Palestinians of the basic necessities of life, such as food, water and fuel.

“These statements, combined with systematic and unlawful interference with humanitarian aid, make Israel’s intention clear in exploiting life-saving supplies for political and military gain.”

Through its blockade of Gaza and obstruction of humanitarian aid with targeted attacks and killings of civilians and aid workers, and despite repeated UN appeals, binding orders from the International Court of Justice and Security Council resolutions, Israel is deliberately causing death, starvation and severe injury, using starvation as a tool of war, and inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian population,” the committee said.

The report documents how Israel’s intensified bombing campaign in Gaza has destroyed basic services and caused an environmental catastrophe that will have long-term health impacts.