A recent United Nations Special Committee report has described Israel’s actions in Gaza as aligning with “the characteristics of genocide,” citing mass civilian casualties and the alleged use of starvation as a weapon. This conclusion, reported by CNN, has further intensified international scrutiny of Israel’s ongoing military operations in the region.
The UN Committee accused Israel of intentionally inflicting severe harm on the Palestinian population. “Through its siege over Gaza, obstruction of humanitarian aid, alongside targeted attacks and killing of civilians and aid workers, despite repeated UN appeals, binding orders from the International Court of Justice, and resolutions of the Security Council, Israel is intentionally causing death, starvation, and serious injury. Starvation is being used as a method of war, inflicting collective punishment on the Palestinian population,” the committee stated in its release.
Targeting civilians and the use of AI in warfare
The report also highlighted Israel’s use of advanced military technology in its operations, raising concerns over its AI-assisted targeting systems. The committee accused the Israeli military of employing these systems with minimal human oversight, resulting in attacks that fail to adequately distinguish between civilians and combatants.
“The Israeli military’s use of AI-assisted targeting, with minimal human oversight, combined with heavy bombs, underscores Israel’s disregard of its obligation to distinguish between civilians and combatants and take adequate safeguards to prevent civilian deaths,” the committee was quoted as saying by CNN.
Hezbollah positions targeted in beirut
In a separate development, the Times of Israel reported on Friday that Israeli forces conducted multiple strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in Beirut’s southern suburbs, known as Dahiyeh. The strikes followed evacuation warnings issued approximately 30 minutes before the attacks.
The targeting of Hezbollah positions marks an escalation in regional tensions, particularly following the Hamas attacks on Israel on 7 October 2023. Since then, Hezbollah has been launching rockets and drones at communities in northern Israel on a near-daily basis, displacing more than 68,000 residents. Hezbollah leaders have publicly stated their intent to prevent displaced Israelis from returning to their homes.
Diplomatic efforts in lebanon
Amidst the ongoing violence, diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis continue. According to CNN, US Ambassador to Lebanon Lisa Johnson presented a proposal to the Lebanese government on Thursday night, aimed at addressing the escalating hostilities. A Lebanese official familiar with the discussions expressed optimism, suggesting that Hezbollah might agree to the terms of the proposed agreement.
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“We expect to submit an official response to the latest proposal next Monday,” the official stated.
Global reactions and implications
The UN report has amplified calls for accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law. Critics of Israel’s actions argue that the continued siege, combined with the use of advanced weaponry, constitutes a violation of the principles of proportionality and necessity under the laws of armed conflict.
Conversely, Israel maintains that its military operations are essential to ensuring its national security and are conducted in response to persistent attacks from groups like Hamas and Hezbollah. Israeli officials have dismissed the UN Committee’s accusations, often pointing to perceived biases in UN mechanisms.
As the conflict continues to escalate, the humanitarian situation in Gaza worsens. International aid organisations have repeatedly warned of a looming catastrophe if access to essential supplies is not restored.
The unfolding events underscore the urgent need for a diplomatic resolution to prevent further civilian suffering and regional destabilisation. Whether ongoing diplomatic efforts, such as those involving the US ambassador in Lebanon, will yield tangible results remains uncertain.
