Tel Aviv / Gaza Strip – September 3, 2025 – A prominent international scholars' association has issued a resolution asserting that Israel's nearly two-year military campaign in Gaza meets the legal definition of genocide, a declaration that has ignited further international debate and drawn a strong condemnation from the Israeli government. The finding by the Global Association of Scholars and Jurists, one of the oldest and largest academic bodies dedicated to international law and human rights, was reported by The Washington Post on September 1, 2025.

The association's resolution cites the extensive loss of life, estimated to be in the tens of thousands, and the widespread destruction across the Gaza Strip as key evidence for its conclusion. The campaign, launched in late 2023, has left large swathes of the densely populated enclave in rubble, displaced millions, and created a severe humanitarian crisis.

Israel Rejects Accusation as 'Disgraceful'

In a swift response, Israel's foreign ministry vehemently rejected the resolution, labeling it "disgraceful." Israeli officials have consistently maintained that their military operations in Gaza are a legitimate act of self-defense aimed at dismantling Hamas, which governs the territory. They argue that all actions are conducted in accordance with international law and that efforts are made to minimize civilian casualties, often blaming Hamas for operating within civilian areas.

The accusation, however, adds to a growing chorus of concerns from various international human rights groups and some United Nations experts who have similarly raised alarms about the conduct and impact of the conflict. While not all have used the term "genocide," many have pointed to potential war crimes and grave breaches of international humanitarian law.

Understanding the Legal Definition of Genocide

Under the 1948 United Nations Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, genocide is defined as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group. These acts can include killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part, imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group, or forcibly transferring children of the group to another group.

The Global Association of Scholars and Jurists, composed of leading academics and legal experts, based its determination on extensive analysis of open-source intelligence, reports from humanitarian organizations, and the cumulative impact of Israeli military actions. Their resolution specifically addresses whether the intent to destroy, as defined by international law, is evident in the scale and nature of the campaign, including the targeting of critical infrastructure, restrictions on aid, and widespread displacement.

Wider Implications and International Scrutiny

This academic pronouncement comes amidst ongoing legal proceedings and investigations by international bodies. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing a case brought by South Africa alleging Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, while the International Criminal Court (ICC) is investigating potential war crimes in the Palestinian territories. Although the scholars' association's resolution is not legally binding in the same way as a court ruling, it carries significant moral and academic weight, potentially influencing public opinion, policy discussions, and the arguments presented in international legal forums.

The debate surrounding the application of the term "genocide" to the conflict in Gaza underscores the deep divisions within the international community regarding the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. For many, the association's findings highlight what they see as an urgent need for greater accountability and protection for Palestinian civilians. For Israel and its allies, it represents a continuation of what they view as a biased and politically motivated effort to delegitimize the state and its right to self-defense.

As the conflict approaches its two-year mark, the humanitarian situation in Gaza remains dire, and calls for a lasting ceasefire and comprehensive political resolution continue to grow louder. The latest declaration from the Global Association of Scholars and Jurists is set to amplify these calls and intensify the pressure on international actors to address the crisis with renewed urgency.