IAGS: Israel's war on Gaza 'inflicting conditions of life designed to bring about their destruction'

Genocide, as defined under international law, is the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. In the context of the ongoing war in Gaza, this legal definition is being invoked with growing urgency. Joining FRANCE 24’s Eve Irvine to examine the humanitarian and legal implications is Melanie O’Brien, President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars. O’Brien argues that the situation in Gaza meets the key legal criteria for genocide, pointing to widespread and systematic acts such as mass killings, the infliction of serious physical and psychological harm, starvation, denial of access to essential resources like healthcare, food, and shelter, and measures intended to prevent births. Her analysis places current events within a framework of international legal standards, and raises urgent questions about accountability, intent, and the world’s responsibility to protect.