Document Details War Crimes Committed by Israel since October 7
An extensive document detailing alleged war crimes committed by the Israeli Government has been released online as the ICJ hears South Africa’s case accusing Israel & US of genocide in Gaza.
A comprehensive document has been compiled, shedding light on the alleged violations of international law and human rights committed by the Israeli Government in their war on Gaza. The document was released ahead of the International Criminal Court’s (ICJ) hearing on Sourth Africa’s case accusing the Israeli Government and the United States of commiting genocide in Gaza. It includes data spanning from October 7 to December 21 and paints a picture of alleged war crimes, human rights violations, and genocidal statements made by Israeli officials.
The current conflict escalated on October 7, 2023, when Hamas launched an attack on Israel that resulted in over 1,200 Israeli deaths, including 800 civilians, and the capture of 240 hostages. In response to that attack, Israeli military forces began a severe and indiscriminate bombardment of the Gaza Strip — a densely populated area home to approximately 2.3 million people, nearly half of whom are children.
As of December 30, the Palestinian death toll in Gaza is estimated at 21,110 — with approximately 70% being women and children. Other sources like the Euro-Med Monitor report that the death toll is as high as 30,000. As of December 6, 1.9 million people, nearly 85% of Gaza's population, were estimated to be internally displaced.
The document states that accusations of war crimes and violations of international law by Israel are supported by claims of genocidal intent fueled by statements from Israeli officials. The document cites numerous instances where Israeli leaders allegedly endorsed the destruction of Gaza, using dehumanizing language and biblical references to justify extreme measures, such as forcibly relocating the population of Gaza to the Sinai desert.
Additionally, the document emphasizes that the crisis did not begin on October 7, as Gaza has been under a brutal and illegal siege since 2007, enduring periodic massacres — which the Israeli military refers to as “mowing the lawn.” The Israeli government's genocidal intent is further underscored by the imposition of a brutal blockade, preventing essential humanitarian aid from reaching Gaza.
Israeli Statements: Alleged Genocidal Intent
The document cites numerous instances where Israeli leaders endorsed the destruction of Gaza, using inflammatory language and references to biblical passages, which indicate genocidal intent.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu promised to "turn Gaza into a deserted island," while Defense Minister Yoav Gallant grimly asserted that Gaza would "never go back to what it was." Gallant's statement, "We are fighting human animals, and we are acting accordingly," is highlighted by its use of dehumanizing language.
Former IDF Major General Giora Eiland allegedly wrote, "Creating a severe humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a necessary means to achieve the goal... Gaza will become a place where no human being can exist."
Several more Israeli figures have been quoted expressing what is interpreted as genocidal intent:
Giora Eiland: "The state of Israel has no choice but to turn Gaza into a place that is temporarily or permanently impossible to live in."
Former Israeli ambassador to Italy, Dryor Edan: "For us, there is a purpose: to destroy Gaza, to destroy the absolute evil."
Dan Gillerman, former Israeli ambassador to the UN: "I'm very puzzled by the constant concern, which the world and also Britain is showing for the Palestinian people and is actually showing for these horrible inhuman animals who have done the worst atrocities that this century has seen."
Violations of International Law
The document categorizes alleged Israeli violations under various international legal frameworks, including the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, Additional Protocol I to the Geneva Conventions, the Fourth Geneva Convention, and Protocol III of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons.
Allegations of crimes against humanity include Prime Minister Netanyahu's request to create a plan to "thin the population in Gaza to a minimum," which is interpreted as a form of forced displacement. Deportation plans are augmented by Netanyahu's purported desire to "expel the surviving residents into neighboring countries." This statement adds another layer to the accusations of forced displacement.
Instances of war crimes are underscored by additional examples, such as the intentional targeting of civilian structures, leading to the death of innocent lives, and widespread destruction, leaving thousands of housing units and public properties in ruins.
Specific cases are cited where family homes were intentionally targeted, resulting in the loss of entire families, including children. This underscores the claim of war crimes, as the intentional targeting of civilian residences is considered a violation of international law.
Disturbing reports suggest intentional targeting of civilians by Israeli forces, including the alleged execution-style killings of women and children in a Gaza school. Common Dreams reported on December 13, 2023, "Witnesses say IDF troops 'executed' women and children in Gaza school."
Israeli forces stand accused of intentionally directing attacks against civilian objects, including homes, hospitals, schools, churches, and mosques. Reports reveal extensive damage, with a UN estimate as of December 9, 2023, indicating that almost 20% of Gaza's buildings were destroyed or damaged.
A statement from Israeli human rights organization B'Tselem claimed, "Israel is not fighting against Hamas but against civilians, implementing a criminal policy of bombings."
Additional incidents involve the killing of humanitarian personnel, including members of the UNRWA, even outside active combat zones. Ambulances bearing the crescent emblem of the Palestine Red Crescent Society were reportedly targeted in multiple attacks. Reuters reported on October 11, 2023, "Eleven workers with the UN refugee agency, five IFRC members killed in Gaza."
The document also refers to reputable human rights organizations detailing how Israel's policies, governance, and behavior allegedly amount to the crime of apartheid against the Palestinians. Examples include severe restrictions on construction and development, disconnecting communities from essential services, and condoning violence by settlers.
The Bull-Moose Note has done extensive reporting on Israel’s system of apartheid, which can be found here.
The comprehensive document of crimes committed by the Israeli Government serves as a reminder that US foreign policy is not about advancing human rights but about achieving and maintaining political and economic domination — with a complete disregard for human life — if that’s what the mission calls for.
The document calls for an international legal and humanitarian response, urging the world to support a permanent ceasefire and confront the devastating reality faced by Palestinians amid this ongoing genocide.