Fact Check: Israel murders Palestinians

Claim Analysis: "Israel murders Palestinians"

Introduction

The claim that "Israel murders Palestinians" has emerged in the context of ongoing violence and conflict in the region, particularly following escalated hostilities since October 2023. This assertion is often made in discussions about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, where allegations of human rights abuses and targeted killings are prevalent. The complexity of the situation necessitates a thorough examination of the available evidence and the context surrounding these claims.

What We Know

1. Casualty Figures: Reports indicate that since October 7, 2023, at least 905 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in the West Bank and East Jerusalem, with additional casualties in Gaza due to military operations 34.

2. Human Rights Allegations: The United Nations and various human rights organizations have accused Israel of committing acts that may constitute war crimes, including sexual violence and other forms of gender-based violence against Palestinians 268. A recent UN report describes these actions as part of a broader pattern of violence and oppression against Palestinian civilians 8.

3. Context of Violence: The Israeli-Palestinian conflict has a long history, characterized by cycles of violence and retaliation. The recent escalation was triggered by a Hamas attack on Israel, which resulted in significant Israeli civilian casualties 4. This context complicates the narrative surrounding the actions of both Israeli forces and Palestinian militant groups.

4. International Responses: Various international bodies, including the UN, have called for investigations into alleged human rights violations by both sides, emphasizing the need for accountability 15.

Analysis

Source Evaluation

• United Nations Reports: The UN is generally regarded as a credible source, but its reports can be subject to political biases depending on the member states involved. The UN's accusations of genocidal acts and systematic violence against women are based on testimonies and data collected from various NGOs and human rights organizations 28. However, the interpretation of these findings can vary significantly based on political perspectives.

• Human Rights Organizations: Reports from organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International are often viewed as reliable, but they may also reflect particular ideological stances. For example, Human Rights Watch's World Report 2024 discusses settler violence and military actions against Palestinians, framing them within a narrative of systemic oppression 5. Critics may argue that such organizations have an agenda that influences their reporting.

• News Outlets: Major news outlets like BBC and AP provide coverage of incidents involving civilian casualties and military actions. Their reporting often includes eyewitness accounts and official statements, but they can also be influenced by editorial biases. For instance, the BBC's recent article on UN accusations highlights the severity of the claims but does not provide extensive counterarguments or context from Israeli perspectives 2.

Methodological Concerns

The methodologies employed in gathering data on casualties and human rights violations can vary widely. Reports often rely on eyewitness accounts, which can be subjective, and the verification of these accounts can be challenging in conflict zones. Additionally, the classification of deaths as "murders" versus "combat-related casualties" can significantly affect the interpretation of the data.

Conflicting Narratives

While many sources highlight the violence perpetrated against Palestinians, there is also a narrative that emphasizes the context of self-defense from Israeli perspectives, particularly in light of the attacks from Hamas that resulted in Israeli casualties 4. This dual narrative complicates the understanding of the situation, as both sides present their actions as justified under international law.

Conclusion

Verdict: Partially True

The claim that "Israel murders Palestinians" is deemed partially true based on the evidence reviewed. Reports indicate significant Palestinian casualties attributed to Israeli military actions, with at least 905 deaths reported since October 2023. Furthermore, credible human rights organizations and UN reports have raised serious allegations of war crimes and human rights abuses by Israeli forces. However, the context of ongoing violence, including attacks from Hamas and the complexities of self-defense claims, complicate the narrative.

It is essential to recognize that the term "murders" carries a specific legal connotation that may not universally apply to all reported deaths, as many may be classified as combat-related casualties. The evidence is also subject to interpretation and bias, depending on the source and perspective.

Readers should be aware of the limitations in the available evidence, including the challenges of verifying eyewitness accounts and the potential for political bias in reporting. As such, it is crucial for individuals to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives when forming conclusions about this deeply contentious issue.

Sources

1. U.S. Department of State. (2023). Israel, West Bank and Gaza - United States. Retrieved from State.gov
2. BBC. (2023). UN experts accuse Israel of sexual violence and 'genocidal acts'. Retrieved from BBC.com
3. AP News. (2023). Israel's fatal shooting of a pregnant Palestinian woman puts the focus. Retrieved from APNews.com
4. Reuters. (2023). The lives lost in Gaza: A closer look at those killed in the conflict. Retrieved from Reuters.com
5. Human Rights Watch. (2024). World Report 2024: Israel and Palestine. Retrieved from HRW.org
6. UN News. (2025). Rights probe alleges sexual violence against Palestinians by Israeli forces. Retrieved from UN.org
7. Council on Foreign Relations. (2023). Israeli-Palestinian Conflict | Global Conflict Tracker. Retrieved from CFR.org
8. Amnesty International. (2025). UN report on Israel's gender-based violence and genocidal acts against women's health facilities. Retrieved from Amnesty.org
9. ReliefWeb. (2023). Fact Sheet: Israel and Palestine Conflict. Retrieved from ReliefWeb.int
10. AOAV. (2025). Systematic violence: the UN charts the gendered toll of Israel's military strategy in Gaza. Retrieved from AOAV.org.uk