A United Nations independent international commission of inquiry has accused Israel of committing genocidal acts in Gaza since the end of the temporary cease-fire. The panel also stated that Israel has committed crimes against humanity in the occupied West Bank.

The report, which is expected to be presented to the UN Human Rights Council, covers the period from the October 7 attacks to the end of 2023. It represents a significant escalation in the international scrutiny of Israel's actions in the ongoing conflict.

The commission cited "alarming and pervasive” patterns of conduct by Israel, including the use of explosive weapons in populated areas and the withholding of essential sustenance, which it found to be genocidal in intent. The panel also noted that the scale of the destruction and the human toll in Gaza were unprecedented.

These findings carry substantial implications for international law and could lead to further diplomatic pressure on Israel. The report will likely be a focal point for discussions at the UN and among international legal bodies, potentially influencing future accountability measures.

The commission, established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2021, has a mandate to investigate alleged violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law by all parties in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Its reports are based on extensive evidence gathering, including witness testimonies, satellite imagery, and forensic analysis.

Israel has consistently condemned reports from this commission, viewing them as biased and politically motivated. In response to the latest allegations, Israeli officials have reiterated their right to self-defense and criticized the panel’s methodology and conclusions.

The commission’s findings on crimes against humanity in the West Bank relate to alleged widespread and systematic attacks against the Palestinian civilian population. These accusations often center on issues such as excessive use of force, illegal settlements, and discriminatory practices.

While the commission’s reports are not legally binding in themselves, they serve to document alleged violations and can inform the work of international courts, such as the International Criminal Court, and contribute to the broader international discourse on accountability for alleged war crimes.