Fact Check: October 7th was an act of genocide

Published March 14, 2025•Updated June 18, 2025

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VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact Check: "October 7th was an act of genocide" ## What We Know On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in th...

Fact Check: "October 7th was an act of genocide"

What We Know

On October 7, 2023, Hamas launched a large-scale attack on Israel, resulting in the deaths of approximately 1,200 Israelis and the taking of around 250 hostages (source-2). In the aftermath, Israel initiated a military counteroffensive in Gaza, which has led to significant casualties among Palestinians. Reports indicate that over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 14,000 children, as a result of Israeli military actions (source-1).

A report from the University Network for Human Rights (UNHR) claims that Israel's actions since October 7 meet the criteria for genocide as defined by the Genocide Convention of 1948. The report states that Israel has committed "genocidal acts," including killing, seriously harming, and inflicting conditions of life intended to destroy the Palestinian population in Gaza (source-1).

The International Court of Justice (ICJ) has also issued provisional rulings indicating that Israel's actions could be classified as genocidal, ordering Israel to cease its military operations in Gaza (source-1).

Analysis

The claim that the events of October 7, 2023, constitute genocide is complex and requires careful examination of both the actions of Hamas and the subsequent Israeli military response. The UNHR report provides a detailed legal analysis, asserting that Israel's military actions have resulted in conditions that could be classified as genocidal under international law. This includes the systematic killing of a significant portion of the Palestinian population and the deliberate infliction of conditions leading to their destruction (source-1).

However, the context of the claim is crucial. The attack by Hamas on October 7 was itself characterized by extreme violence, including the killing of civilians, which some legal scholars argue could also meet the criteria for genocide under the Genocide Convention (source-4). This duality complicates the narrative, as both sides have engaged in actions that could be interpreted as genocidal.

The reliability of the sources is a significant factor in this analysis. The UNHR report is produced by a consortium of reputable human rights organizations and law schools, lending it credibility. However, the political implications of labeling actions as genocide can lead to bias in interpretation, as seen in various media and academic discussions (source-3).

Furthermore, the ongoing conflict and the involvement of international bodies like the ICJ and the International Criminal Court (ICC) add layers of complexity to the legal definitions and implications of genocide. The ICJ's provisional rulings indicate a recognition of potential genocidal actions, but these are not definitive legal conclusions and are subject to further legal scrutiny (source-1).

Conclusion

The claim that "October 7th was an act of genocide" is Partially True. While the actions of Hamas on that day were violent and could be classified as genocidal, the subsequent Israeli military response has also been characterized by actions that some legal experts argue meet the criteria for genocide. The situation is further complicated by the ongoing conflict and the differing interpretations of international law. Therefore, while there are valid arguments on both sides, the claim cannot be fully substantiated without considering the broader context and the actions of both parties involved.

Sources

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