DailySun
Johannesburg – A recent report from Amnesty highlights that Israel is perpetrating acts of genocide against Palestinians in Gaza.
Amnesty International has announced that its field personnel are actively operating in Gaza, conducting interviews with survivors, witnesses, local organizations, and journalists.
“We are one of only two international human rights organizations currently in Gaza, documenting the ongoing crisis,” Amnesty stated on Thursday, December 5, 2024.
“Our findings have determined that Israel has violated the Genocide Convention, engaging in both genocidal acts and demonstrating an intention to eliminate Palestinians through its policies, actions, and neglect, treating them as less than human.”
“This report builds on decades of research in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and follows our 2022 conclusion that Israel is implementing a system of oppression and domination that qualifies as the crime against humanity of apartheid.”
Amnesty indicated that its research shows Israel has deliberately caused death, inflicted physical and mental harm, and created conditions aimed at exterminating Palestinians.
“This encompasses war crimes such as extermination, displacement, and forced starvation,” the human rights organization stated.
“Our team conducted interviews with 212 witnesses, local officials, and healthcare providers, and our Crisis Evidence Lab validated visual and digital evidence, including satellite imagery.”
“We examined statements made by Israeli leaders and military officials.”
“Genocidal intentions and declarations from political and military leaders have been echoed by Israeli soldiers on the ground, as shown in social media videos.”
Click here to access the complete report and explore further findings.
South Africa Welcomes Amnesty Report
South Africa has voiced its support for Amnesty International’s report, which underscores the genocide experienced by the Palestinian people in occupied Gaza.
The findings corroborate South Africa’s stance before the International Court of Justice and correspond with various United Nations reports:
Dr. Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN Special Rapporteur on the Right to Health, remarked that the Israeli leadership’s commitment last year to devastate Gaza has come to fruition.
“The Strip is now a barren wasteland of debris and human remains,” where survivors are struggling to endure, and bodies are decaying amidst the remnants of clinics and hospitals.
Francesca Albanese, Special Rapporteur on the Situation of Human Rights in the Palestinian Territory Occupied, underscored the urgency for the international community to recognize the events in Gaza as genocide.
She stressed the importance of understanding the broader ramifications of the current situation in Palestine, noting that while Palestinians have long suffered war crimes and crimes against humanity, the present reality is unprecedented.
The initiatives undertaken by Amnesty International should be regarded as vital contributions to human rights advocacy.
“We urge the international community to support the right to defend human rights and to strengthen protections for human rights defenders against any reprisals related to their efforts,” stated the SA Department of International Relations and Cooperation.
“We call upon everyone to uphold and support those who expose atrocities and advocate for the marginalized.”
“South Africa demands an immediate ceasefire and the protection of Palestinian lives and rights.”
Amnesty International, a respected and fiercely independent NGO, is renowned for its thorough and comprehensive reports, and this latest document upholds that esteemed standard.
