sA group of academics and organisations under the banner Scholars for Truth about Genocide have called on the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS) to retract its resolution accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza.In a letter, the group said, “On behalf of the undersigned individuals and organisations who exist to educate about antisemitism, international law, the Holocaust and genocide, and who cumulatively and actively work to enhance the prevention of genocide, we find that the International Association of Genocide Scholars (‘IAGS’) resolution fails to accurately apply the law and facts of the war in Gaza.”The scholars argued that Hamas, not Israel, has committed genocide. Read the full letter here.The letter stated, “On October 7, 2023, Hamas invaded Israel and acted with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, Jews and Israelis, as a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group, as such. Further, Hamas and their allied organizations took innocent people hostage and continue to hold hostages. Thus, Hamas committed the crime of genocide and remains the only party to legally meet the requirements of the elements of the crime of genocide.”
Criticism of IAGS voting process
The group also criticised how the IAGS vote was handled. “Moreover, we are alarmed by the process that was taken to pass the resolution with reported promises of town-halls and dissenting opinions to be published, and those promises being broken. The resolution was passed with a total of 129 voting members, and about 107 voting in favor, out of over 500 members. The quieting of dissent is an alarming tactic used on such a controversial matter.”
Background: IAGS resolution on Gaza
The IAGS, the world’s largest professional association of genocide scholars, voted earlier this year to declare that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide. In a three-page statement, the association cited widespread attacks on healthcare, aid, and education, along with “50,000 children killed or injured by Israel, as highlighted by UN aid organisation Unicef, which impacts the ability of Palestinians in Gaza to survive as a group and regenerate.”It also noted Israeli leaders’ calls for forced expulsion, the near-total destruction of housing in Gaza, and public statements vowing to “flatten Gaza” and turn it into “hell.”
Israel rejects genocide accusations
The Israeli foreign inistry has rejected the IAGS findings, describing them as “based on Hamas lies” and poor research. A spokesperson called the resolution “an embarrassment to the legal profession” and said Israel is “the victim of genocide,” reported BBC.
