Fact Check: there is genocide in gaza

Published March 14, 2025•Updated June 18, 2025

•By

VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact Check: "There is genocide in Gaza" ## What We Know The claim that "there is genocide in Gaza" has been the subject of intense debate, particul...

Fact Check: "There is genocide in Gaza"

What We Know

The claim that "there is genocide in Gaza" has been the subject of intense debate, particularly following the escalation of violence in the region after the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. A report by the University Network for Human Rights asserts that Israel's military actions in Gaza constitute genocidal acts as defined by the Genocide Convention of 1948. The report cites evidence of killings, serious harm, and the infliction of living conditions intended to destroy the Palestinian population in Gaza. It indicates that over 36,000 Palestinians have been killed, including more than 14,000 children, during the Israeli military's counter-offensive, which has resulted in widespread displacement and humanitarian crises (source-1).

Additionally, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has provisionally ruled that Israel's actions may amount to genocide, ordering an end to military operations that exacerbate the humanitarian situation in Gaza (source-1). Reports from organizations like Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have also suggested that Israel's actions could be classified as genocide, based on their investigations into civilian casualties and destruction of infrastructure (source-4, source-7).

Analysis

The assertion of genocide in Gaza is grounded in legal definitions and extensive documentation of the ongoing conflict. The UNHR report, which includes contributions from multiple law schools, employs a rigorous methodology to analyze Israel's actions against the legal framework of genocide (source-1). It emphasizes the need for intent to destroy a group, either in whole or in part, which is a critical element in proving genocide. The report claims that Israel's military strategy has resulted in significant civilian casualties and suffering, which aligns with the criteria set forth in international law.

However, the reliability of sources reporting on this issue varies. While the UNHR report is backed by academic institutions and legal experts, other sources, such as mainstream media and governmental reports, may exhibit bias based on their political affiliations or the perspectives of their audiences (source-2). For instance, the BBC highlights the complexities of the situation, noting that while Israel's actions have led to significant civilian harm, the context of Hamas's initial attack complicates the narrative (source-2).

Critics of the genocide claim argue that Israel's military operations are a response to terrorism and that the legal definitions of genocide require a specific intent to destroy a group, which they assert is not applicable in this context. The debate is further complicated by the challenges of obtaining reliable information from Gaza, where access for international journalists is severely restricted (source-2).

Conclusion

The claim that "there is genocide in Gaza" is Partially True. While there is substantial evidence and legal analysis suggesting that Israel's actions may meet the criteria for genocide as defined by international law, the context of the conflict, including the actions of Hamas, complicates the narrative. The ongoing debate reflects deep political divisions and differing interpretations of international law, making it essential to approach the claim with a nuanced understanding of the facts and the legal framework involved.

Sources

Have a claim you want to verify? It's 100% Free!

Our AI-powered fact-checker analyzes claims against thousands of reliable sources and provides evidence-based verdicts in seconds. Completely free with no registration required.

💡 Try:

"Coffee helps you live longer"

✓100% Free

✓No Registration

✓Instant Results