Israeli tanks advance in Gaza City as scholars’ association says Israel is committing genocide

Israel’s Continued Offensive in Gaza City Sparks Controversy

The conflict between Israel and Palestine has escalated even further as Israel pushed tanks deeper into Gaza City and set off explosives in a suburb, resulting in at least 19 casualties on Monday. Palestinian officials and witnesses reported the airstrikes that caused devastation in the region.

In a shocking development, the International Association of Genocide Scholars passed a resolution declaring that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal criteria for genocide. This resolution, supported by 86% of the 500-member association, accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza, citing violations of the 1948 UN convention on genocide.

Israel’s Foreign Ministry vehemently denied these allegations, calling them baseless and a result of Hamas’s misinformation campaign. The ministry has previously denied accusations of genocide and is currently facing a case at the International Court of Justice in The Hague over similar claims.

Despite international condemnation, Israel is determined to take full control of the Gaza Strip, starting with Gaza City. The military’s objective is to eliminate Hamas and rescue the remaining hostages, who have been held captive for nearly two years. However, critics argue that the majority of hostage releases have occurred through ceasefire negotiations rather than military operations.

Residents in Gaza City are facing a dire situation as Israeli forces continue their offensive. Old armoured vehicles were deployed in the Sheikh Radwan neighbourhood, causing widespread destruction and displacing many families. The military has instructed residents to evacuate the area immediately, further escalating the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.

The Gaza Health Ministry reported a significant increase in casualties, with at least 98 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire in the past 24 hours. Shockingly, nine people, including three children, died of malnutrition and starvation, bringing the total number of deaths from hunger-related causes to 348, including 127 children. Israel disputes these figures, attributing the deaths to other medical reasons.

As the conflict intensifies, calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian intervention in Gaza are growing louder. The international community is closely monitoring the situation, with human rights organizations urging Israel to cease its military operations and allow for the safe release of hostages. The ongoing violence in Gaza has raised concerns about potential war crimes and calls for accountability for all parties involved.

Despite efforts to de-escalate the conflict, ceasefire talks have stalled, leaving Gaza residents trapped in a cycle of violence and suffering. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with no end in sight to the bloodshed and devastation. It is crucial for the international community to step in and take concrete actions to protect innocent civilians and bring an end to the conflict in Gaza.