United Nations accuses Israel of planned genocide in Gaza: Maternity wards 'specifically' targeted

According to the UN report, it is alleged that incidents of sexual violence, including abuse, have occurred in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Furthermore, it was claimed that the targeting of maternity wards and reproductive health clinics in Gaza was intended to prevent births within a specific group. Experts pointed out that this is recognized as one of the definitions of genocide under international law.

Israel categorically rejected the allegations in the report, labeling them baseless. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu described the UN Human Rights Council as an 'antisemitic, corrupt, and terrorist-supporting institution.' Netanyahu stated, ''Instead of focusing on the war crimes committed by Hamas, they are attacking Israel with baseless accusations.''

The Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, operating under the UN Human Rights Council, emphasized that it used testimonies from victims of sexual violence, verified photographic and video footage, and information obtained from civil society and women's rights organizations while preparing the report. Commission Chair Navi Pillay stated that the evidence collected reveals a 'serious increase in sexual and gender-based violence.'

The report alleged that forms of violence such as forced nudity, threats of rape, and sexual assault are among the standard practices of the Israeli Security Forces. It was also claimed that rape and violence against sexual organs were carried out with the implicit encouragement of high-level military and civilian leaders.

ATTACKS ON REPRODUCTIVE CLINICS

The Commission stated that Israeli forces systematically targeted maternity wards and reproductive health clinics during the 17-month war in Gaza. The report noted that approximately 4,000 embryos, 1,000 sperm samples, and unfertilized eggs were destroyed in an attack on the Al-Basma IVF Clinic. It was alleged that these attacks were intended to restrict the reproductive capacity of Palestinians.

Israel rejected the allegations in the report, stating that it complies with international law standards. Israel's UN mission in Geneva stated that the report 'relies on second-hand, unverified sources to blame the Israeli military.' Israeli officials stated that the military has mechanisms in place to investigate incidents of sexual violence.

South Africa has announced that it has filed a case at the International Court of Justice accusing Israel of committing genocide in Gaza. While 1,200 people lost their lives in the attack organized by Hamas on October 7, 2023, it was recorded that more than 48,520 people have been killed in the operations launched by Israel in Gaza. It was announced that 70 percent of buildings in Gaza have been damaged or destroyed, and that healthcare services and basic infrastructure have collapsed.