JERUSALEM, July 29 (V7N) — In an unprecedented move, two prominent Israeli human rights organizations have publicly accused the Israeli government of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza — marking the first time such a charge has been leveled from within Israel's own civil society.

At a joint press conference held in Jerusalem on July 28, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel released detailed reports alleging that Israeli actions in Gaza constitute "a coordinated, deliberate effort to destroy Palestinian society" in the coastal enclave.

Yuli Novak, Executive Director of B’Tselem, said, “The report we are publishing today is one we never imagined we would have to write. The people of Gaza have been displaced, bombed, and starved — left completely stripped of their humanity and rights.”

The organizations cited months of heavy bombardment, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, a siege that has severely limited access to food, water, and medical supplies, and the forced displacement of nearly the entire population as key elements supporting their conclusion.

While Israel has firmly rejected any allegations of genocide, arguing that its military actions are targeted responses to Hamas and other militant threats, these new reports intensify scrutiny amid growing international concern. The reports follow warnings from UN officials and other global rights bodies that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza may amount to crimes under international law.

Israel maintains that it is acting in self-defense and has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields. The government has not yet responded officially to the domestic allegations.

The accusations from B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights Israel are expected to add pressure on Israeli leadership as well as on international actors to reexamine policies, military support, and diplomatic positions related to the ongoing war.

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