Two prominent Israeli human rights organisations, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel, accused Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza on July 28, 2025. This serious charge comes from significant voices within Israeli society.
The groups released their reports during a press conference in Jerusalem, describing Israel’s actions as “coordinated and deliberate” attempts to destroy Palestinian society in the Gaza Strip.
Yuli Novak, B’Tselem’s executive director, stated, “The report we are publishing today is one we never imagined we would have to write.” She highlighted how Palestinians in Gaza face displacement, bombings, and starvation, stripping them of humanity and rights.
Physicians for Human Rights Israel emphasised the systematic demolition of Gaza’s healthcare system. Their report claims Israel’s actions are “calculated and systematic,” leading to widespread collapse. This has left medical services in ruins, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
Israeli rights groups accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza https://t.co/eoYydRWCDX
— BBC News (World) (@BBCWorld) July 28, 2025Reuters reported that both organisations urged Israelis and the international community to act immediately. They called for using all legal tools to halt the alleged genocide.
Israel’s Response and Denials
Israel strongly denies the accusations. A government spokesperson labelled them “baseless,” stressing the lack of intent required for genocide. Spokesperson David Mencer pointed to Israel’s delivery of 1.9 million tons of aid, mostly food, as evidence against genocidal intent. The Israeli military did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Israel has faced similar claims since the Gaza war began, including a case by South Africa at the International Court of Justice. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called that “outrageous.”
Two Israeli human rights organizations said Israel was committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza, the first major voices in Israeli society to level the strongest possible accusation against the state, which vehemently denies it https://t.co/P5cHmrMo9V pic.twitter.com/qM3gruVh1R
— Reuters (@Reuters) July 29, 2025The term “genocide” carries heavy weight in Israel, rooted in the Holocaust and defined by the 1948 Genocide Convention. It involves acts with the intent to destroy a group in whole or in part. Israeli officials have previously deemed such accusations against Israel as libellous and antisemitic.
Read: Israeli Airstrikes Kill 43 in Gaza, Including Children at Water Distribution Point
In December 2024, Amnesty International made similar claims, prompting Israel’s foreign ministry to call it a “deplorable and fanatical organisation.”
These reports highlight growing internal criticism in Israel amid the ongoing conflict. They could influence international discussions on accountability. Always verify facts from reliable sources to gain a deeper understanding of complex issues like this.
