UN Inquiry Accuses Top Israeli Leaders of Inciting Genocide in Gaza – 16 September 2025
A UN commission finds Israel committed genocide in Gaza, accusing PM Benjamin Netanyahu and other senior officials of incitement and mass killings.
Raja Awais Ali
9/16/20251 min read
UN Inquiry: Top Israeli Leaders Accused of Inciting Genocide in Gaza
On 16 September 2025, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry released a landmark report concluding that Israel has committed genocide in Gaza and that senior Israeli officials—including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant—incited the crime.
Key Findings
The commission states that Israel has met four of the five criteria set out in the 1948 UN Genocide Convention:
1. Killing members of a protected group.
2. Causing serious bodily or mental harm.
3. Deliberately inflicting living conditions intended to destroy the group in whole or in part.
4. Imposing measures to prevent births within the group.
Evidence includes mass killings, large-scale displacement, blocked humanitarian aid, and the destruction of critical infrastructure such as a fertility clinic.
Human Toll
Gaza’s Health Ministry reports over 64,000 deaths since the conflict escalated, with tens of thousands injured and millions displaced. Hospitals face severe shortages of power, water, and medical supplies, while aid convoys continue to be obstructed.
International Reaction
Israel rejected the findings as “politically motivated and false” and declined to cooperate with investigators.
The United States, European Union, Turkey, Qatar, and Egypt expressed deep concern and called for an immediate ceasefire and humanitarian corridors.
Several UN member states urged the International Criminal Court (ICC) to consider prosecution.
Legal and Moral Impact
Commission chair Navi Pillay, former UN High Commissioner for Human Rights and a former judge at the International Criminal Court, stated that official rhetoric and actions by Israeli leaders constitute “direct evidence of genocidal intent.”
Legal analysts note the report could shape future ICC cases and international diplomatic efforts, increasing pressure for accountability and civilian protection.