Genocide Textbook
Genocide is a crime committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, in whole or in part (United Nations - Genocide Convention, 1948).
UN Special Rapporteur on the Occupied Palestinian Territories, Francesca Albanese, has issued a report saying there are “reasonable grounds” to believe Israel is committing genocide in the Gaza Strip.
Asked whether her work on the report had caused her to receive threats, Albanese said: “Yes, I do receive threats. Nothing that so far I considered needing extra precautions. Pressure? Yes, and it doesn’t change either my commitment or the results of my work.”
War Crimes Committed By Israel
International Law
Genocide, as defined by international law, involves the intentional and systematic destruction, in whole or in part, of a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. This heinous crime encompasses various acts with the aim of annihilating the targeted group, including killings, causing serious bodily or mental harm, deliberately inflicting conditions leading to the group's physical destruction, and imposing measures to prevent births within the group.
As the Israeli regime began its current genocide in Gaza, Benjamin Netanyahu posted from the official Prime Minister of Israel account on X (before later deleting the post): “This is a struggle between the children of light and the children of darkness, between humanity and the law of the jungle.” Israeli President Issac Herzog likewise warned that the war on Gaza was “intended to save Western civilization” and that if it weren’t for Israel, “Europe would be next.” Such rhetoric is a regurgitation of colonial ideology, seeking to justify genocide as a battle of “Good versus Evil.” In announcing Israel’s plan to collectively punish Palestinians in Gaza by completely cutting off all resources necessary for life, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant declared, “There will be no electricity, no food, no water, no fuel. Everything is closed. We are fighting human animals and we are acting accordingly.” Such racist, dehumanizing language paves the way for Israel’s genocide and ethnic cleansing of Palestinians.
Components of Genocide
1. Dehumanisation Campaign
Definition:
Dehumanization is the process of portraying individuals or groups as less than human, often through derogatory language, stereotypes, and propaganda.
Role in Genocide:
Dehumanization is a precursor to genocide, as it makes it easier to justify the mistreatment and violence against the targeted group. By depicting the group as subhuman, the perpetrators aim to desensitize society to their suffering.
2. Inciting Media
Definition:
The media plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion. In the context of genocide, it can be used to disseminate propaganda, false narratives, and hate speech against the targeted group.
Role in Genocide:
Propaganda and incitement through media contribute to creating an environment conducive to genocide. By spreading misinformation and fostering hatred, the media can manipulate public perception and garner support for violent actions.
How Netanyahu's War could DESTROY Israel
3. Intent Declared from Higher Levels
Definition:
Genocidal acts are often orchestrated and ordered by those in positions of power, such as government officials, military leaders, or other authorities.
Role in Genocide:
The intent to commit genocide is a crucial element. When high-ranking officials declare, condone, or order actions aimed at the destruction of a particular group, it establishes the systematic nature of the crime and can be used as evidence in legal proceedings.
The evidence is clear: Israel has taken diverse methods to ensure “the destruction of the essential foundations of the life” of Palestinians. These actions include the 16-year-long siege on Gaza. They have cut off food, water, fuel, and electricity, denied access to healthcare, ordered 1.1 million people out of their homes, bombed evacuation routes, and even bombed and targeted hospitals, churches, mosques, and health workers. Incitement to genocide is also punishable under the Genocide Convention. Israeli officials have openly called for the annihilation of the captive population. Swipe through to see some of their genocidal words.
Forms of Genocidal Acts
Execution
Execution, in the context of genocide, refers to the deliberate and systematic killing of members of a particular ethnic, religious, or social group with the intent to eliminate that group in whole or in part. Genocidal executions can take various forms, including mass shootings, mass hangings, gas chambers, forced labour leading to death, and other methods designed to cause the death of targeted individuals.
Genocidal executions are characterized by their intentional and organized nature, as they are carried out as part of a broader strategy to exterminate or severely diminish a specific population. Perpetrators may use various means to carry out mass killings, often relying on military, paramilitary, or state-controlled forces. The goal is not merely to engage in warfare but to eradicate a specific group based on its identity.
Genocidal executions are among the most egregious violations of human rights, and individuals or entities responsible for these acts can be held accountable under international law, including through international criminal tribunals.
Starvation
Starvation as a method of genocide is a grave violation of human rights and is often accompanied by other atrocities. It is considered a war crime and a crime against humanity. The intentional infliction of conditions that lead to widespread famine and hunger with the purpose of causing the physical destruction of a particular group is a heinous act that is condemned under international law.
The use of starvation as a tool of genocide is not only a direct assault on the right to life but also a systematic effort to undermine the survival and well-being of a targeted population, leaving lasting physical and psychological scars on individuals and communities. The prohibition of such acts is emphasized in international legal frameworks, including the Genocide Convention and other instruments addressing crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Measures Imposed by Israel to Prevent Palestinian Births
B’Tselem – The Israeli Information Center for Human Rights in the Occupied Territories
https://www.btselem.org/gaza_strip/20240108_israel_is_starving_gaza
Ethnic Cleansing
Forcible removal or displacement of the targeted group from their homes and lands.
Ethnic cleansing involves a clear intent to alter the demographic composition of an area by removing or exterminating a particular ethnic or religious group. The perpetrators aim to establish a more homogeneous population in the designated region.
Perpetrators of ethnic cleansing engage in systematic actions, often following a strategic plan, to achieve their goals. This can include mass killings, forced expulsion, destruction of cultural and religious sites, and other forms of brutality.
One of the primary methods is the forced displacement of the targeted population. This can involve mass deportations, expulsion, or creating conditions that make it impossible for the group to remain in their homes.
Ethnic cleansing often involves the denial of basic human rights to the targeted group, including the right to live, work, practice their culture or religion, and participate in the political process.
REMINDER
International Response
Genocide is considered a crime under international law, and individuals involved can be held accountable by international tribunals. The Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, adopted by the United Nations in 1948, defines genocide and obliges member states to prevent and punish this crime.
The obligation of states under the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide extends beyond merely refraining from committing genocide themselves. The convention requires member states to prevent and punish genocide, and this involves taking action when they become aware of such crimes, whether committed by their own government or by another state.
Strength in Values & Dignity
Complicit States
If a state is aware of an unfolding genocide and fails to take action to prevent or stop it, they can be held accountable under the principle of complicity. International law recognises that states have a responsibility to protect their populations from genocide, and this responsibility extends to preventing or stopping genocide in other states. If a state knowingly ignores or does not take appropriate measures to address genocide, it can face legal consequences.
States Supporting Genocidal Actions
States that actively support genocidal actions, whether through military aid, diplomatic support, or other means, can also be held accountable. This support may include supplying weapons, providing financial assistance, or engaging in activities that facilitate the commission of genocide.
Hiden Affairs
Arab States Helping
Israel Amid Genocide
Arab nations may condemn Israel's actions in public, but their covert acts provide a different picture and point to a degree of cooperation with Israel's actions in Gaza.
Perpetuating Colonial Legacy
Military Support
States supplying weapons or military assistance to the genocidal power may be complicit in the crimes. This is particularly relevant when there is clear evidence that the weapons are being used to commit genocide.
Flight path of the US Air Force C-17 military transport aircraft that flew from Nevatim air base in Israel to Gazipasa airport in Turkey on 23 January. (Screengrab: RadarBox)
Colonial Diplomacy Cover-up
...how can we dominate the South + East ??
Blood on their hands
How the Media & Politicians Gave Israel the Greenlight to Turn Gaza into a Graveyard
CRIMINAL
Complicit Media
States that engage in media censorship to conceal or downplay genocidal actions, or that actively participate in spreading propaganda and incitement, can be seen as contributing to the atmosphere that allows genocide to occur.
Israel Is Wiping Out Gaza's Journalists, A Tribute
Biden 'LIED' About Beheaded Babies, Personally Seeing Pictures Among Israeli Victims?
Please Support Independent Media
Legal Consequences!
States can face legal consequences for their role in genocide through various mechanisms:
1. International Criminal Court (ICC):
The ICC has jurisdiction over genocide, among other crimes. States that are parties to the Rome Statute establishing the ICC can be prosecuted for their role in genocide.
2. International Court of Justice (ICJ):
The ICJ can adjudicate cases between states related to the interpretation and application of the Genocide Convention. States can bring cases against each other for alleged violations.
3. United Nations Security Council:
The UN Security Council has the authority to take measures, including sanctions or the use of force, to address threats to international peace and security, which may include situations involving genocide.
How hospitals became ‘fair game’ in Gaza | The Listening Post
‘Contagious diseases running rampant,’ warns doctor
Dropping bombs or bread
Not Allowed to Return to Their Homes
