Gaza: Amnesty International says genocide continues despite ceasefire
A month after the ceasefire came into force in Gaza, Amnesty International believes that “the genocidal acts committed by Israel continue”, despite the official end of the massive bombings. In a report published Thursday, the organization describes a population “condemned to a slow and calculated death”, deprived of food, water, care and shelter. According to the NGO, at least 327 Palestinians, including 136 children, have been killed by Israeli attacks since October 10. Humanitarian aid, although partially authorized to enter, remains “very insufficient” to meet the needs of a population weakened by two years of siege and famine. Access to UNRWA remains prohibited, in violation of opinions issued by the International Court of Justice.
Amnesty also notes an acute shortage of medicines, made worse by restrictions on medical evacuations. More than 16,500 sick or injured people would require urgent transfer to hospitals outside Gaza. The organization also highlights the collapse of the health system, the appearance of massive psychological trauma among children and the disintegration of the social fabric due to repeated displacements.
She also denounces the continuation of expulsions. The Israeli army controls around 58% of the territory and prevents Gazans from returning to their destroyed neighborhoods, through a “yellow line” whose crossing can be fatal. Entire agricultural areas have been razed for military outposts, plunging the population into total dependence on humanitarian aid which is no longer arriving. For Amnesty, these policies – blockade of aid, destruction of vital infrastructure, economic collapse and forced displacement – constitute “acts prohibited by the Genocide Convention”. The NGO considers that “Israel’s genocidal intention remains unchanged”, especially since no credible investigation has been opened by the Israeli authorities.
As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, Amnesty is concerned about a reduction in international pressure, citing in particular the Security Council’s approval of the American peace plan and the resumption of arms transfers by several European countries. The organization calls for reestablishing strong diplomatic pressure to ensure unhindered humanitarian access and put an end to ongoing violations.
