Former UN Official Labels Gaza Onslaught a Clear-Cut Genocide

Mokhiber, formerly the New York director for the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, argues that unlike historical atrocities where investigators must uncover secret archives to prove intent, the current situation features open declarations from officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. He contends that Israel operates with a sense of impunity bolstered by diplomatic support from the United States and European allies.

The U.S. State Department has resisted such characterizations. Spokesperson Matthew Miller stated on Monday that the administration follows a rigorous evaluation process before applying the term, noting that it is currently too early for a definitive assessment. While acknowledging that the civilian death toll is high, Miller maintained that the underlying issue remains Hamas' practice of embedding itself within civilian infrastructure.

Local authorities in Gaza report that nearly 16,000 Palestinians have been killed, with over 60% of the territory’s housing stock damaged or destroyed and 80% of the population displaced. Although the Biden administration has previously questioned the accuracy of these figures, Israeli military officials have privately acknowledged that the data provided by Gaza health authorities is reliable.