Presenting the Fee of Inquiry’s newest report, Navi Pillay stated the findings have been primarily based on a authorized evaluation performed underneath the Conference on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.
“We concluded that the State of Israel is liable for the fee of 4 genocidal acts in Gaza with the particular intent to destroy Palestinians in Gaza, as such,” she stated.
“The Fee additionally discovered that the Israeli President, Prime Minister and former Defence Minister have incited the fee of genocide.”
Ms. Pillay, a former UN human rights chief, described the scenario in Gaza as “probably the most ruthless, extended and widespread assault in opposition to the Palestinian individuals in historical past.”
Devastation can’t be undone
She stated that whereas the delicate ceasefire and launch of hostages and prisoners “provide hope, they can not undo the devastation that has already occurred,” including that “the Gaza Strip lies in ruins, rendered practically uninhabitable.”
She added that Israeli officers had “publicly endorsed plans for the deportation of the inhabitants, the development of settlements and annexation of the territory.”
Though the ceasefire has put such insurance policies on maintain, “current statements by Israeli officers make it clear that these goals stay firmly in place.”
This was Ms. Pillay’s final report back to the Common Meeting, after having led the unbiased worldwide investigative physique since July 2021.
Occupied West Financial institution
Within the occupied West Financial institution, together with East Jerusalem, the Fee discovered that Israeli insurance policies since October 2023 – together with express and implicit help for violent settlers – “show clear intent to forcibly switch Palestinians, broaden Israeli Jewish civilian presence and annex nearly all of the West Financial institution.”
The aim, Ms. Pillay stated, is “to forestall any potential Palestinian self-determination and statehood and preserve an indefinite occupation.”
Guarantee accountability
She urged Member States to make sure justice and accountability “by supporting the Worldwide Felony Court docket (ICC) in its investigations” and by utilizing common jurisdiction to prosecute suspects, together with twin nationals.
“It pains me that, on my final presentation as chair of this fee, the post-World Struggle Two multilateral system has failed to forestall this genocide,” she stated. “The worldwide system has been discovered wanting.”
She concluded by calling for “reality and reconciliation,” including that “solely by transitional justice can peace finally take root and flourish.”
Name for everlasting ceasefire
Francesca Albanese, the unbiased UN Human Rights Council-appointed Particular Rapporteur on the Palestinian territories, additionally briefed the Common Meeting committee and underscored the necessity for a everlasting ceasefire in Gaza.
She urged Member States to make sure Israel’s withdrawal from all occupied territory and the dismantling of Israeli settlements.
Alongside, they have to droop all army, commerce and diplomatic ties with Israel “till it ends and cures its genocide, illegal occupation and apartheid,” she stated, calling additionally for investigations and, the place warranted, prosecutions of these concerned in alleged crimes.
“That is how we start to honour the reminiscence of these killed. And if the Safety Council is paralysed, this Meeting should act underneath uniting for peace with larger resolve than ever earlier than,” she added.
Particular Rapporteurs and different human rights consultants appointed underneath the particular procedures mandate of the Human Rights Council will not be UN workers and are unbiased of any authorities or group. They obtain no wage for his or her work.
