Jerusalem: The United Nations’ Independent International Commission of Inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocidal acts against Palestinians by systematically destroying reproductive healthcare facilities in Gaza. The report highlights the destruction of maternity hospitals and Gaza’s primary fertility clinic, Al-Basma IVF Centre, during Israel’s military operations.
According to the commission, the Al-Basma clinic, which provided services to thousands of patients each month, was deliberately shelled in December 2023, leading to the destruction of about 4,000 embryos. The report states that Israel intentionally targeted this facility to prevent births among Palestinians, classifying it as a genocidal act. Alongside the destruction of the fertility clinic, maternity hospitals and neonatal care units were also systematically attacked, with medical supplies for pregnancies and deliveries deliberately blocked from entering Gaza.
The UN report further details acts of sexual violence and war crimes committed against Palestinian women and girls. Witnesses described forced public stripping, sexual harassment, threats of rape, and even targeted killings of civilian women. The commission concluded that these actions constituted crimes against humanity and violations of international law.
Israel has categorically rejected these allegations, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu dismissing the findings as false accusations. He criticized the UN Human Rights Council, calling it an anti-Israeli and terror-supporting body. Despite the strong denial from Israeli authorities, international pressure is mounting as these findings could influence ongoing cases at the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court. While some UN officials argue that the evidence of genocide is undeniable, legal experts remain uncertain whether these accusations will result in formal prosecutions.
As the conflict in Gaza continues, calls for accountability and humanitarian intervention are growing. The destruction of reproductive healthcare and the targeting of women and girls have sparked global outrage, with many urging the international community to take decisive action.
