Johannesburg – A recent report from Amnesty indicates that Israel is committing acts of genocide against the Palestinian people in Gaza.
Amnesty International has disclosed that its fieldworkers are on the ground in Gaza, conducting interviews with survivors, witnesses, local organizations, and journalists.
“We are one of only two international human rights organizations active in Gaza, documenting the ongoing crisis,” Amnesty stated on Thursday, (5 December 2024).
“Our research has demonstrated that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention, engaging in genocidal actions and displaying an intent to annihilate Palestinians through its policies, actions, and inactions, treating them as subhuman.”
“This report builds upon decades of research regarding the Occupied Palestinian Territory and follows our conclusion in 2022 that Israel is enforcing a system of oppression and domination that amounts to the crime against humanity of apartheid.”
Amnesty reported that its findings indicate Israel has purposefully caused death and both physical and mental harm, as well as created living conditions aimed at the annihilation of Palestinians.
“This includes war crimes such as annihilation, displacement, and forced starvation,” stated the human rights organization.
“Our team has conducted interviews with 212 witnesses, local officials, and healthcare workers, while our Crisis Evidence Lab has verified visual and digital evidence, including satellite imagery.”
“We reviewed statements made by Israeli leaders and military officials.”
“The intent to commit genocide and remarks from political leaders and military officials have been echoed by Israeli soldiers on the ground, as captured in social media videos.”
Click here to explore the full report and discover additional findings.
South Africa Supports Amnesty Report
South Africa has voiced its endorsement of Amnesty International’s report, which underscores the genocide endured by the Palestinian people in the occupied Gaza region.
The findings reinforce South Africa’s position before the International Court of Justice and are in line with various United Nations reports:
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, pointed out that the Israeli leadership’s promise last year to devastate Gaza has come to pass.
“The Strip is now a desolate expanse of rubble and human remains,” where survivors struggle to endure, and bodies decompose amid the remnants of clinics and hospitals.
Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, emphasized the urgent need for the international community to recognize the situation in Gaza as genocide.
She stressed the importance of understanding the broader implications of the current circumstances in Palestine, highlighting that while Palestinians have long suffered war crimes and crimes against humanity, the current state of affairs is unprecedented.
The initiatives of Amnesty International should be understood as an integral part of human rights advocacy.
“We call upon the international community to support the right to defend human rights and enhance protections for those defending human rights against any repercussions arising from their efforts,” declared the SA Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
“We urge everyone to stand up for and support those who expose atrocities and advocate for the marginalized.
“South Africa demands an immediate ceasefire and the protection of Palestinian lives and rights.”
Amnesty International, a respected and fiercely independent NGO, is renowned for its detailed and comprehensive reports, and this latest document meets that high standard.
