A new report from Amnesty International accusing Israel of committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza has drawn sharp criticism. Legal and geopolitical experts have challenged the report’s claims, calling them biased and lacking a balanced analysis.
Orde Kittrie, a law professor and senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, stated the allegations do not meet the legal criteria for genocide. He specified that “Israel’s warnings and other steps to mitigate harm to Gazan civilians make clear Israel’s intent is not genocide but, far from it, to minimize civilian casualties while lawfully exercising Israel’s rights to free hostages, apprehend October 7 atrocity perpetrators, and protect Israel’s population from further attacks.” Kittrie noted Israel’s actions appear aimed at self-defense and minimizing civilian harm, not targeting individuals solely for their ethnicity.
Israeli Ambassador to the U.N., Danny Danon, condemned the report, highlighting Hamas’ documented atrocities, including mass killings, kidnappings, and other acts during the October 7 attacks. Danon described Hamas as the party exhibiting genocidal intent, supported by Tehran.
Critics like David Adesnik of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies accused Amnesty of applying a double standard by using the term “genocide” for Israel while avoiding it in cases involving Sudan, Ukraine, or China’s treatment of Uyghurs. Amnesty also failed to address Hamas’ use of civilian structures for military purposes, a tactic widely criticized for endangering civilians.
Amnesty International’s allegations include obstruction of humanitarian aid into Gaza. However, critics point to over 58,000 aid trucks and over a million tons of supplies delivered to Gaza, undermining claims of complete denial.
The organization’s credibility is further questioned due to its recent invitation of Francesca Albanese, a U.N. official accused of spreading antisemitism, to speak at its annual lecture. Amnesty has not responded to questions about its omission of Hamas’ statements inciting terror or its selective condemnation of Israel compared to other global conflicts.
The report has intensified scrutiny of Amnesty International’s impartiality, with observers arguing that its approach risks exacerbating anti-Israel and antisemitic sentiments worldwide.
