A United Nations commission of inquiry has concluded that Israel committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza since October 2023, the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the occupied Palestinian territory reported on September 16.

The commission released a 72-page report finding "reasonable grounds to conclude" that Israeli authorities and security forces committed and continue to commit genocidal acts against Palestinians in Gaza.

The commission determined that Israel committed four of the five acts defined as genocide under international law: killing members of the group, causing serious bodily or mental harm to group members, deliberately inflicting conditions calculated to bring about physical destruction, and imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.

According to the commission's findings, 60,199 Palestinians were killed between October 7, 2023 and July 31, 2025, with 83% being civilians based on Israeli intelligence data.

Over 18,000 children were killed, with medical professionals reporting treating children with direct gunshot wounds to the head.

The report found that Israeli officials possessed the specific intent required for genocide charges, citing both direct statements from leaders and a pattern of conduct that could "only point to the existence of such intent".

Life expectancy in Gaza dropped from 75.5 years to 40.5 years during the first 12 months of the conflict.

The commission documented how Israel used "starvation as a method of warfare" through a total siege that blocked food, water, medical supplies and fuel from entering Gaza.

From March to May 2025, Israel imposed an 11-week complete blockade of humanitarian aid.

The report concluded that Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defence Minister Yoav Gallant engaged in "direct and public incitement to commit genocide" through their statements.

 Netanyahu invoked the biblical Amalekites, whom God commanded to be completely destroyed, whilst Gallant described Palestinians as "human animals".

The commission documented the destruction of over 170,000 structures across Gaza, including 403 of 564 school buildings and 110 cultural and religious sites. Healthcare facilities were systematically targeted, leaving only 36% partially functional.

Israel has consistently rejected allegations of genocide, maintaining that its military operations are conducted in self-defence and in accordance with international law.

The final determination of genocide charges will rest with the International Court of Justice, where South Africa has brought a case against Israel under the Genocide Convention.