Historic Resolution Passed by the International Association of Genocide Scholars
On September 1, 2025, the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) — the world’s most respected academic body on genocide studies — passed a landmark resolution declaring that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
This is the first time the IAGS has officially made such a determination against Israel, and it carries significant moral, legal, and political weight globally.
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What the Resolution Says
The IAGS states that Israel’s military campaign in Gaza meets the definition of genocide under Article II of the 1948 UN Genocide Convention.
The resolution highlights:
Mass killings of civilians through airstrikes and ground operations.
Starvation and deprivation of humanitarian aid as deliberate war tactics.
Mass displacement of Gaza’s population.
Sexual and reproductive violence used in the conflict.
The vote was overwhelmingly in favor (86% of voting members), a strong signal of consensus among genocide scholars.
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Statement from IAGS Leadership
The association’s president, Prof. Melanie O’Brien, described the move as a “definitive statement from experts in the field of genocide studies.”
She emphasized:
> “There is no justification for the commission of war crimes, crimes against humanity, or genocide — not even self-defense.”
This statement directly challenges Israel’s repeated justification that its actions are necessary for security and defense.
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Israel’s Response
The Israeli government immediately rejected the resolution, calling it:
“An embarrassment to the legal profession and academic standards.”
Officials argued that the findings are “entirely based on Hamas’ campaign of lies.”
Israel insists its military operations are aimed at destroying Hamas, not civilians.
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Global & Legal Context
The IAGS resolution adds momentum to existing legal and political challenges:
International Court of Justice (ICJ): South Africa previously filed a genocide case against Israel, which is still under review.
Human rights organizations such as Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and Médecins Sans Frontières have also accused Israel of committing crimes that may amount to genocide.
UN agencies and aid groups have repeatedly warned of famine, mass civilian casualties, and collapse of Gaza’s infrastructure.
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Divisions Within the Academic Community
While the resolution was passed with strong support, not all scholars agree:
Some critics argue the term “genocide” is misapplied, saying the atrocities, while grave, do not meet the strict legal threshold.
Holocaust historian Norman J. W. Goda has defended Israel, saying its actions should be seen through the lens of war crimes, not genocide.
Others, such as IAGS member Sara Brown, criticized the process, noting that only 129 members voted out of more than 500, which may not reflect the full association’s view.
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Why This Matters
This declaration is historically significant because:
It comes from the leading global body of genocide scholars, lending academic legitimacy to genocide claims.
It increases international pressure on Israel amid ongoing ICJ hearings and potential future war crimes trials.
It may influence UN resolutions, sanctions, and humanitarian interventions.
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Conclusion
The International Association of Genocide Scholars has delivered a powerful verdict: Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide.
While Israel firmly rejects the accusation, the resolution strengthens the growing international consensus that the humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza is not just a tragedy of war — but a deliberate campaign of mass destruction.
As global attention intensifies, this resolution may become a turning point in how the conflict is judged in history, law, and international diplomacy.
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