**UN Experts Accuse Israel of Genocide**
The United Nations Human Rights Council has released a report accusing Israel of committing “genocidal crimes” against Palestinians. The report documents alleged violations in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, including rapes and systematic destruction of maternal and reproductive health care facilities.
**Sexual Abuse Widespread**
The report claims that sexual abuse is widespread among Palestinians, with victims testifying about forced public nudity, stripping, and threats of rape and sexual assault. It also alleges that Israeli forces destroyed sexual and reproductive health care facilities in Gaza during the 17-month war, leading to conditions that amount to a crime against humanity.
**Genocide Allegations**
The report states that Israel’s actions may indicate a strategy designed to prevent births within a certain group, which is one of the legal definitions for genocide. It also claims that the destruction of maternity units and fertility clinics in Gaza amounts to “two types of genocidal act” under international law.
**Israel Denies Allegations**
Israel has categorically rejected the allegations, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu calling the Human Rights Council a “rotten, terrorist-supporting, antisemitic and irrelevant body”. He accused the council of focusing on false allegations against Israel instead of war crimes committed by Hamas.
**War-Torn Gaza**
The report highlights the devastating impact of the Gaza War on the population. Since October 2023, over 48,520 Palestinians have died in Gaza, with nearly 70% of buildings damaged or destroyed. The healthcare and water systems are also severely affected, leading to shortages of fuel, food, medicine, and shelter.
Read More @ www.bbc.com