For the first time, two prominent Israeli human rights organizations—B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights—have publicly labeled Israel’s ongoing military actions in Gaza as genocide.
In a joint report released this week, the groups state that Israel is carrying out a systematic campaign aimed at the destruction of the Palestinian population in Gaza, citing mass civilian casualties, decimated infrastructure, and the collapse of the health care system.
B’Tselem posted on X (formerly Twitter): “This is an explicit attempt to destroy the population of Gaza and impose living conditions so catastrophic that Palestinian society cannot continue to exist there. That is the exact definition of genocide.”
The statement emphasized that no Palestinian is safe under what it called a “genocidal Israeli regime,” rejecting justifications such as self-defense or security in light of the October 7, 2023 Hamas attacks. It accused Western governments—particularly the U.S. and Europe—of complicity through continued military and diplomatic support.
Physicians for Human Rights echoed the charge, stating, “This is genocide,” while describing the collapse of Gaza’s health system as a deliberate and systematic assault on the population’s ability to survive.
Footage of destruction, starvation, and medical collapse circulating online underscores the gravity of the humanitarian crisis. “As a human rights organization,” B’Tselem said, “it is our duty and responsibility to say the truth: Genocide is happening, right here and right now.”
While international organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and UN experts have previously used the term “genocide” to describe the war in Gaza, this report marks the first time Israeli NGOs have officially adopted the terminology—signaling a major escalation in domestic criticism of the government’s war strategy.
