Israel's military actions in Gaza result in the loss of 31 lives, with scholars alleging a case of genocide against the Israeli government.
In a shocking development, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) has accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. The resolution, supported by 86% of those who voted, was met with strong opposition from the Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which called the determination an "embarrassment to the legal profession and to any academic standard."
The accusations come amidst escalating violence in the region. On Monday, Israel launched strikes across the Gaza Strip, resulting in at least 31 deaths and over 160,660 injuries, according to Gaza's health ministry. More than half of the killed people were women and children.
Two Israeli rights groups, B'Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights-Israel, also made similar accusations in July, marking the first time that local Jewish-led organizations have made such allegations. Israel, however, claims to only target militants in Gaza.
Meanwhile, the Global Sumud Flotilla, the largest attempt yet to symbolically break Israel's blockade of Gaza, set sail from Barcelona, Spain, but turned back due to safety concerns. Climate campaigner Greta Thunberg is among the participants in the flotilla.
The organization that raised the initial accusation of genocide against Israel is the International Association of Genocide Scholars. The extent of membership support for this determination is not specified in the available information.
International human rights groups have also leveled the allegation that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs has maintained that the determination by the International Association of Genocide Scholars is "entirely based on Hamas' campaign of lies."
In the past, all previous flotillas have been intercepted at sea by Israeli forces, according to reports. The IAGS's accusation and the Global Sumud Flotilla's attempt to break the blockade serve as reminders of the ongoing conflict and the call for international intervention in the region.
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