Is the US 'complicit in the war crimes being carried out by Israel in Gaza'?
Issued on: 05/08/2025 -
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working on a complete military takeover of Gaza for the first time in two decades. Mediation between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas has collapsed despite intense international pressure for a ceasefire amid appalling conditions. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective on the harrowing plight of the more than two million civilians in war-torn Gaza, FRANCE 24's Stuart Norval welcomes Arwa Damon, former CNN Senior International Correspondent and founder of the International Network for Aid, Relief, and Assistance (INARA).
Issued on: 05/08/2025 -
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is working on a complete military takeover of Gaza for the first time in two decades. Mediation between Israel and Palestinian militant group Hamas has collapsed despite intense international pressure for a ceasefire amid appalling conditions. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective on the harrowing plight of the more than two million civilians in war-torn Gaza, FRANCE 24's Stuart Norval welcomes Arwa Damon, former CNN Senior International Correspondent and founder of the International Network for Aid, Relief, and Assistance (INARA).
War-torn Gaza resident and humanitarian worker recounts harrowing plight of civilians under siege
Issued on: 05/08/2025 -
In the face of international pressure, Israel has allowed airdrops of food aid, but the amounts delivered are a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the humanitarian emergency. Thousands of aid trucks continue to sit outside the enclave. Bahaa Zaqout, a Gaza resident in Deir al-Balah, joins FRANCE 24's Delano D'Souza to offer an intimate and upfront account from the ground of Gaza's humanitarian crisis and the harrowing plight of civilians. Mr. Zaqout is a humanitarian responder with the Agricultural Development Association (PARC).
Video by: Delano D'SOUZA
Issued on: 05/08/2025 -
In the face of international pressure, Israel has allowed airdrops of food aid, but the amounts delivered are a drop in the ocean compared to the scale of the humanitarian emergency. Thousands of aid trucks continue to sit outside the enclave. Bahaa Zaqout, a Gaza resident in Deir al-Balah, joins FRANCE 24's Delano D'Souza to offer an intimate and upfront account from the ground of Gaza's humanitarian crisis and the harrowing plight of civilians. Mr. Zaqout is a humanitarian responder with the Agricultural Development Association (PARC).
Video by: Delano D'SOUZA
Amid desperation in war-torn Gaza, 'environment of fear, intimidation and worry in West Bank'
Issued on: 05/08/2025 -
Issued on: 05/08/2025 -
Israel's blockade and military offensive have made it nearly impossible to safely deliver aid, contributing to the territory's slide toward famine nearly 22 months into the war with Hamas. Aid groups say Israel's week-old measures to allow more aid are far from sufficient. Families of hostages in Gaza fear starvation affects them too, but blame Hamas. For in-depth analysis and a deeper perspective, FRANCE 24's Eve Irvine welcomes Dr. Hadeel Qazzaz, Oxfam International spokesperson and MENA Regional Gender Coordinator.
Video by: Eve IRVINE
Video by: Eve IRVINE
Pretoria (AFP) – More countries must recognise a Palestinian state and stand up to Israel to stop its "genocidal activities", South Africa's Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola told AFP in an interview Tuesday.
Issued on: 05/08/2025 -
South African Foreign Minister Ronald Lamola said recognising a Palestinian state would help bring about a Gaza ceasefire © MARCO LONGARI / AFP
Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, bringing a case before the UN's top court in December 2023 arguing that its war in the Palestinian territory amounted to genocide.
As some of Israel's allies "are now also saying, no, this can't continue, it means that it is bringing us closer and closer to the Israel regime (stopping) the genocidal activities", Lamola said.
South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice argues that the war in Gaza, which began with the militant group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied that accusation.
Several nations have added their weight to the proceedings, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile and Libya.
The leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada have meanwhile said they plan to recognise a Palestinian state in September, and urged other nations to do so.
"We call for more countries to continue to recognise Palestine," Lamola told AFP.
"This will put the pressure so that we can end up with a ceasefire."
After 22 months of combat sparked by the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas that killed 1,219 people and saw hundreds kidnapped, the Israeli army has devastated large parts of the Palestinian territory.
More than 60,933 Palestinians have been killed, according to figures from Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry, and humanitarian agencies have warned that the territory's 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine.
Lamola said that had the world acted when South Africa made its case at the ICJ, "we would not be where we are".
"It's clear starvation is emerging, famine, and all these are things we warned about in our ICJ case -- that this will lead to famine, will lead to complete cleansing of the population," he said.
"It's rather late, yes, but it's better than never. So let them act, let them support, let them put the pressure."
Relations at 'a low'
South Africa-US relations have "reached a low" with Washington attempting to interfere in domestic issues, the minister said.
The two nations have been at odds over a range of domestic and international policies, including Pretoria's ICJ case and debunked claims by US President Donald Trump that white South Africans face discrimination.
Tariffs of 30 percent -- the highest on any sub-Saharan African country -- are set to hit certain South African exports Friday in the absence of a trade deal.
"In the past we have not had this situation where another government would want to interfere on a domestic issue like it is now," Lamola said.
"Since the last 30 years, there have been disagreements with the US administration on a number of issues, but the diplomatic lines of engagement have always been open," he said.
South Africa's failure to reach a new trade deal has been criticised at home, including by parties in the coalition government which have accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and his team of diplomatic missteps.
But Lamola told AFP that Pretoria had done "everything possible under the sun" to reach a deal.
Political disagreements had not come up in trade talks with the United States, he said.
Trump 'welcome' at G20
"The situation with the US for any country, not just for South Africa, is unpredictable," he said.
Equally uncertain is US participation in the G20 summit hosted in November in Johannesburg, which Trump last week said he "probably won't" attend.
"He's welcome to come to South Africa and participate," Lamola said, "but it's his decision."
The minister reiterated Pretoria's intent to promote its theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability" at the high-level summit.
"The period of unilateralism has passed. We will no longer ever go back there," he said.
"The world must accept it is now the period where we are all interconnected, we all have to act together to find solutions for climate change, inequality, artificial intelligence. We all have to work as one global community."
© 2025 AFP
Pretoria has been a leading critic of Israel's actions in Gaza, bringing a case before the UN's top court in December 2023 arguing that its war in the Palestinian territory amounted to genocide.
As some of Israel's allies "are now also saying, no, this can't continue, it means that it is bringing us closer and closer to the Israel regime (stopping) the genocidal activities", Lamola said.
South Africa's case before the International Court of Justice argues that the war in Gaza, which began with the militant group Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack on Israel, breached the 1948 United Nations Genocide Convention. Israel has strongly denied that accusation.
Several nations have added their weight to the proceedings, including Spain, Bolivia, Colombia, Mexico, Turkey, Chile and Libya.
The leaders of France, the United Kingdom and Canada have meanwhile said they plan to recognise a Palestinian state in September, and urged other nations to do so.
"We call for more countries to continue to recognise Palestine," Lamola told AFP.
"This will put the pressure so that we can end up with a ceasefire."
After 22 months of combat sparked by the October 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas that killed 1,219 people and saw hundreds kidnapped, the Israeli army has devastated large parts of the Palestinian territory.
More than 60,933 Palestinians have been killed, according to figures from Hamas-run Gaza's health ministry, and humanitarian agencies have warned that the territory's 2.4 million people are slipping into a catastrophic famine.
Lamola said that had the world acted when South Africa made its case at the ICJ, "we would not be where we are".
"It's clear starvation is emerging, famine, and all these are things we warned about in our ICJ case -- that this will lead to famine, will lead to complete cleansing of the population," he said.
"It's rather late, yes, but it's better than never. So let them act, let them support, let them put the pressure."
Relations at 'a low'
South Africa-US relations have "reached a low" with Washington attempting to interfere in domestic issues, the minister said.
The two nations have been at odds over a range of domestic and international policies, including Pretoria's ICJ case and debunked claims by US President Donald Trump that white South Africans face discrimination.
Tariffs of 30 percent -- the highest on any sub-Saharan African country -- are set to hit certain South African exports Friday in the absence of a trade deal.
"In the past we have not had this situation where another government would want to interfere on a domestic issue like it is now," Lamola said.
"Since the last 30 years, there have been disagreements with the US administration on a number of issues, but the diplomatic lines of engagement have always been open," he said.
South Africa's failure to reach a new trade deal has been criticised at home, including by parties in the coalition government which have accused President Cyril Ramaphosa and his team of diplomatic missteps.
But Lamola told AFP that Pretoria had done "everything possible under the sun" to reach a deal.
Political disagreements had not come up in trade talks with the United States, he said.
Trump 'welcome' at G20
"The situation with the US for any country, not just for South Africa, is unpredictable," he said.
Equally uncertain is US participation in the G20 summit hosted in November in Johannesburg, which Trump last week said he "probably won't" attend.
"He's welcome to come to South Africa and participate," Lamola said, "but it's his decision."
The minister reiterated Pretoria's intent to promote its theme of "Solidarity, Equality, Sustainability" at the high-level summit.
"The period of unilateralism has passed. We will no longer ever go back there," he said.
"The world must accept it is now the period where we are all interconnected, we all have to act together to find solutions for climate change, inequality, artificial intelligence. We all have to work as one global community."
© 2025 AFP
Copyright AP Photo
LONG READ
By Sophie Claudet
Published on 01/08/2025
Rising voices accuse Israel of genocide in Gaza, accusations Israel denies. Holocaust and genocide scholar Omer Bartov points to the intent to destroy Palestinians in an interview with Euronews.
Voices describing Israel’s actions in Gaza as genocide are rising: an increasing number of politicians, rights-defenders, historians and legal experts say there is a clear will on the part of the Jewish state to destroy the Palestinians as a group and render life in Gaza impossible.
The accusations have been growing since South Africa launched a case at the UN’s top court of justice in December 2023 alleging Israel is committing genocide, an accusation Israel rejected as "baseless".
Euronews spoke to Omer Bartov, Dean’s Professor of Holocaust and Genocide Studies at Brown University, an Ivy League US institution, who argues that what is unfolding in Gaza amounts to genocide.
Separately, we sought the expert legal opinion of Stefan Talmon, an international law professor at the University of Bonn and currently a visiting research fellow at Oxford University, who contends there is no genocide. You can read Talmon’s interview here.
Palestinians look at their neighbour's damaged house following an Israeli strike in Rafah, 27 January, 2024 AP Photo
Proving genocidal intent
Bartov, a genocide and Holocaust scholar, first described Israel’s response to the 7 October terrorist attacks by Hamas as “disproportionate” and even constituting “war crimes and crimes against humanity”.
However, by May 2024 he changed his evaluation of Israel’s military campaign, labelling it genocide, as he believes there is mounting evidence showing intent behind Israel's actions.
Back then, the Israeli army had ordered Palestinians out of Rafah, in the southern tip of the Gaza Strip, and moved them to Mawasi – a coastal area with almost no shelter. The army proceeded to flatten Rafah.
Israeli right-wing activists, one holding a sign ""Gaza is ours forever," attend a rally calling for the establishment of Jewish settlements in the Gaza Strip, 30 July, 2025
AP Photo
“Statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government constitute proof of their intent to destroy the Palestinians and to make Gaza uninhabitable,” Bartov told Euronews.
Israeli officials have, for example, referred to Palestinians as “human animals,” also saying they would reduce Gaza to “rubble”.
As per the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, genocide can be established when there is an “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.”
Prosecuting those responsible for genocide remains a complicated and complex matter, with cases in front of international courts taking as long as 14 years, as was the case in verdicts on the Bosnian genocide in Srebrenica.
While some experts see genocide as "crime of all crimes", others argue that genocide is a legal category that should not be observed as more important than war crimes or crimes against humanity, cautioning against prolonged court cases in pursuit of justice.
“Statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and members of his government constitute proof of their intent to destroy the Palestinians and to make Gaza uninhabitable,” Bartov told Euronews.
Israeli officials have, for example, referred to Palestinians as “human animals,” also saying they would reduce Gaza to “rubble”.
As per the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, genocide can be established when there is an “intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group.”
Prosecuting those responsible for genocide remains a complicated and complex matter, with cases in front of international courts taking as long as 14 years, as was the case in verdicts on the Bosnian genocide in Srebrenica.
While some experts see genocide as "crime of all crimes", others argue that genocide is a legal category that should not be observed as more important than war crimes or crimes against humanity, cautioning against prolonged court cases in pursuit of justice.
Humanitarian aid is airdropped to Palestinians over Zawaida in central Gaza, 31 July, 2025 AP Photo
To prove a genocide, you also have to show that the intent is being implemented and that there are no other motives than wanting to destroy the group, Bartov explained.
He further pointed to systematic Israeli military operations aimed at demolishing “hospitals, mosques, museums and the goal is then to force the population to leave,” despite the fact that “people won’t and can’t leave and have no place to go to.”
Israel has repeatedly rejected accusations of conducting a genocidal campaign, stating its operation is solely geared towards disempowering and eradicating Hamas. Also, Israel has stated it never intentionally targeted civilians, in turn accusing Hamas of using them as human shields.
What distinguishes Israel’s operation in Gaza from ethnic cleansing and confirms the will to destroy Palestinians, according to Bartov, is that “you make it impossible for that group to reconstitute itself and it is section D of the Genocide Convention, it’s about imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.”
He points to a recent 65-page report by Israeli NGO Physicians for Human Rights that says Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
To prove a genocide, you also have to show that the intent is being implemented and that there are no other motives than wanting to destroy the group, Bartov explained.
He further pointed to systematic Israeli military operations aimed at demolishing “hospitals, mosques, museums and the goal is then to force the population to leave,” despite the fact that “people won’t and can’t leave and have no place to go to.”
Israel has repeatedly rejected accusations of conducting a genocidal campaign, stating its operation is solely geared towards disempowering and eradicating Hamas. Also, Israel has stated it never intentionally targeted civilians, in turn accusing Hamas of using them as human shields.
What distinguishes Israel’s operation in Gaza from ethnic cleansing and confirms the will to destroy Palestinians, according to Bartov, is that “you make it impossible for that group to reconstitute itself and it is section D of the Genocide Convention, it’s about imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group.”
He points to a recent 65-page report by Israeli NGO Physicians for Human Rights that says Israel's actions in Gaza amount to genocide.
Palestinians rush to collect humanitarian aid airdropped into Zawaida in central Gaza Strip, 31 July, 2025 AP Photo
The report documents the staggering number of miscarriages among Gazan women, the number of children who are born underweight or premature and maternal mortality amid famine due to lack of healthcare.
Bartov believes Israel's operation in Gaza is set to go on, not to finish Hamas, which it is still fighting almost two years into the war, but to empty Gaza of Palestinians, as Israel no longer accepts the idea of a Palestinian state.
Section A of the same convention says killing members of the group with the overall intent to destroy it also constitutes genocide. Section B mentions causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group. Bartov says both apply in the case of Israel’s operation in Gaza.
“That is clear, we are talking about between 60,000 and 100,000 dead,” said Bartov, also mentioning 140,000 wounded, the chronically ill who died because hospitals no longer function, and Palestinians debilitated by hunger.
The report documents the staggering number of miscarriages among Gazan women, the number of children who are born underweight or premature and maternal mortality amid famine due to lack of healthcare.
Bartov believes Israel's operation in Gaza is set to go on, not to finish Hamas, which it is still fighting almost two years into the war, but to empty Gaza of Palestinians, as Israel no longer accepts the idea of a Palestinian state.
Section A of the same convention says killing members of the group with the overall intent to destroy it also constitutes genocide. Section B mentions causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group. Bartov says both apply in the case of Israel’s operation in Gaza.
“That is clear, we are talking about between 60,000 and 100,000 dead,” said Bartov, also mentioning 140,000 wounded, the chronically ill who died because hospitals no longer function, and Palestinians debilitated by hunger.
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Bartov rejects the argument that the number of casualties released by the Hamas-controlled health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, may be inaccurate or, as Israel claims, grossly exaggerated.
He, like the Israeli NGO B’Tselem, which also labels Israel’s actions in Gaza genocide, believes the Hamas figures are “reliable”, “well documented” and even “conservative”, as thousands of bodies are still trapped under the rubble.
“Let the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) provide its own figures, they should allow the foreign press in, the burden of proof is on the IDF,” Bartov insisted, adding that the number of victims actually does not matter to prove genocide.
“The convention is about killing people and members of the group, it is not about killing all members of the group," he emphasised.
Easing humanitarian crisis 'irrelevant' to genocide accusation
Past ceasefires agreed to by Israel and the recent easing of the food blockade amid reports of starvation in Gaza do not change Bartov’s genocide accusation.
The ceasefires were imposed on Israel, he argues instead.
“The last ceasefire was imposed by President Trump as he came in, and in March, Israel unilaterally broke the ceasefire, within a few minutes it killed a few hundred," he explained. “This is has nothing to do with the main intent (of genocide) ... it is not at all something that is done willingly."
Pope calls for probe into whether Israel's attacks in Gaza amount to genocide
Bartov rejects the argument that the number of casualties released by the Hamas-controlled health ministry, which does not distinguish between civilians and combatants, may be inaccurate or, as Israel claims, grossly exaggerated.
He, like the Israeli NGO B’Tselem, which also labels Israel’s actions in Gaza genocide, believes the Hamas figures are “reliable”, “well documented” and even “conservative”, as thousands of bodies are still trapped under the rubble.
“Let the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) provide its own figures, they should allow the foreign press in, the burden of proof is on the IDF,” Bartov insisted, adding that the number of victims actually does not matter to prove genocide.
“The convention is about killing people and members of the group, it is not about killing all members of the group," he emphasised.
Easing humanitarian crisis 'irrelevant' to genocide accusation
Past ceasefires agreed to by Israel and the recent easing of the food blockade amid reports of starvation in Gaza do not change Bartov’s genocide accusation.
The ceasefires were imposed on Israel, he argues instead.
“The last ceasefire was imposed by President Trump as he came in, and in March, Israel unilaterally broke the ceasefire, within a few minutes it killed a few hundred," he explained. “This is has nothing to do with the main intent (of genocide) ... it is not at all something that is done willingly."
Palestinians collect aid that landed in the Mediterranean Sea after being airdropped over central Gaza, 29 July, 2025 AP Photo
Bartov claims that the Israeli government and Netanyahu openly tell the Israeli public that they are agreeing to “the so-called humanitarian pause”, notably under pressure from Trump, because “these are measures that will make it possible for Israel to continue its operations.”
In Gaza, Palestinians continue to be killed in the meantime, he says.
Bartov claims that the Israeli government and Netanyahu openly tell the Israeli public that they are agreeing to “the so-called humanitarian pause”, notably under pressure from Trump, because “these are measures that will make it possible for Israel to continue its operations.”
In Gaza, Palestinians continue to be killed in the meantime, he says.
Most Israelis 'in denial' of what is happening in Gaza
When they released their reports on Monday, Israeli NGOs B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights also issued a common appeal, calling on “Israelis and the international community to take immediate action to stop the genocide, using all legal tools available under international law.”
We put the question of Israel’s public opinion to Bartov, himself an Israeli citizen who served in the army.
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"Of course they are aware, you cannot not be aware, but most Israelis don’t want to know," he said.
“Yesterday, there was an extraordinary report on Kan 11, the public TV, which also showed for the first time some images of starving children in Gaza but then said all this is fake news and showed footage of people selling fruits and vegetables at a market in Gaza.”
Euronews verified the Kan 11 footage but also found that Israeli media claim that some of the photos depicting starving Palestinian children were reportedly manipulated.
US and Europe 'duty-bound' to stop war in Gaza
To Bartov, it is important to recognise what Israel is doing in Gaza as genocide “because all signatory states of the Genocide Convention include all the European countries and the United States (which) are duty bound to do something” -- to prevent, stop and punish those responsible.
Instead, according to him, the US and Europe remain “complicit” in what is happening in Gaza.
Exclusive: Cross-party EU lawmakers call for sanctions on Israel over Gaza ‘atrocities’
"Of course they are aware, you cannot not be aware, but most Israelis don’t want to know," he said.
“Yesterday, there was an extraordinary report on Kan 11, the public TV, which also showed for the first time some images of starving children in Gaza but then said all this is fake news and showed footage of people selling fruits and vegetables at a market in Gaza.”
Euronews verified the Kan 11 footage but also found that Israeli media claim that some of the photos depicting starving Palestinian children were reportedly manipulated.
US and Europe 'duty-bound' to stop war in Gaza
To Bartov, it is important to recognise what Israel is doing in Gaza as genocide “because all signatory states of the Genocide Convention include all the European countries and the United States (which) are duty bound to do something” -- to prevent, stop and punish those responsible.
Instead, according to him, the US and Europe remain “complicit” in what is happening in Gaza.
People walk along a street lined with destroyed buildings following Israeli bombardments during the Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip, 29 July, 2025 AP Photo
“In the case of Germany it’s especially appalling not only because it is the major European power, the major supplier (of weapons) to Israel, but also because it does it in the name of the Holocaust (...) the Staatraison.”
Germany, he says, in feeling responsible for the Holocaust, should prevent crimes against humanity and genocide but not protect a country “that is the successor state of the Holocaust while it is itself carrying out a genocide."
"That is a complete distortion of the lessons of World War II, Nazism and the Holocaust," Bartov argued.
“In the case of Germany it’s especially appalling not only because it is the major European power, the major supplier (of weapons) to Israel, but also because it does it in the name of the Holocaust (...) the Staatraison.”
Germany, he says, in feeling responsible for the Holocaust, should prevent crimes against humanity and genocide but not protect a country “that is the successor state of the Holocaust while it is itself carrying out a genocide."
"That is a complete distortion of the lessons of World War II, Nazism and the Holocaust," Bartov argued.
Fear of mounting antisemitism
While Bartov says urgent action is needed to stop the violence in Gaza, one of the long-term repercussions, he fears, is that “Israel will become a pariah state (...) if it is allowed to get away with it."
"If one has an interest in protecting Israel, helping it become a decent place, it has to impose measures on it now that would stop not only the killing of Palestinians but also the rapid erosion of democracy,” he implored.
Bartov also expressed further concerns about the effect of Israel being a pariah state on Jewish communities around the world, which he says would be “severe,” pointing to the rise of antisemitism.
Palestinians inspect the site struck by an Israeli bombardment in Muwasi, 28 July, 2025 AP Photo
Bartov, who focused a great deal of his research on Nazi crimes, also deplores that institutions set up to commemorate the Holocaust, be they memorial centres or museums, have been silent on Gaza.
Their mandate is not only to remind the public of the horrors of the Holocaust but also to prevent future atrocities by promoting education and remembrance.
Their failure to speak up, he says, will dent their credibility. “They will no longer be able to present themselves as anything but institutions that are only concerned with what could be done to the Jews by the Nazis. Anything else is not their business.”
Could Hamas' 7 October attacks be labelled genocide?
Asked whether the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023, that left close to 1,200 Israelis dead, could also be qualified as genocide, Bartov says: “obviously, it was a war crime. Obviously, it was a crime against humanity because of the large numbers of civilians killed."
"One would need to adjudicate that but it could be, if it is connected to the Hamas charter of the late 1980s which is an antisemitic, genocidal document, it could be seen as genocidal act.”
“I'm a little sceptical about that, but certainly I think one could make that argument. I'm sceptical because Hamas actually issued different documents later," Bartov concluded.
Bartov, who focused a great deal of his research on Nazi crimes, also deplores that institutions set up to commemorate the Holocaust, be they memorial centres or museums, have been silent on Gaza.
Their mandate is not only to remind the public of the horrors of the Holocaust but also to prevent future atrocities by promoting education and remembrance.
Their failure to speak up, he says, will dent their credibility. “They will no longer be able to present themselves as anything but institutions that are only concerned with what could be done to the Jews by the Nazis. Anything else is not their business.”
Could Hamas' 7 October attacks be labelled genocide?
Asked whether the terrorist attacks perpetrated by Hamas on 7 October 2023, that left close to 1,200 Israelis dead, could also be qualified as genocide, Bartov says: “obviously, it was a war crime. Obviously, it was a crime against humanity because of the large numbers of civilians killed."
"One would need to adjudicate that but it could be, if it is connected to the Hamas charter of the late 1980s which is an antisemitic, genocidal document, it could be seen as genocidal act.”
“I'm a little sceptical about that, but certainly I think one could make that argument. I'm sceptical because Hamas actually issued different documents later," Bartov concluded.
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