UN Commission Accuses Israel of Genocide and Crimes Against Humanity
A UN commission accused Israel of continuing genocide in Gaza and committing crimes against humanity in the West Bank, which Israel rejected as a misinformation campaign.
The UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory released a report on October 26 accusing Israel of continuing to commit genocidal acts in the Gaza Strip despite a ceasefire signed in October 2025. The commission found that Israel expanded its territorial control in Gaza from 53% to at least 60% during the ceasefire period, resulting in at least 196 Palestinian deaths.
In the West Bank, the commission accused Israeli forces and authorities of crimes against humanity, including extermination, torture, and sexual violence. The report detailed a widespread and systematic attack against civilians through military operations and coordinated settler violence, noting that airstrike deaths in the West Bank rose from six between 2008 and October 2023 to 254 by September 2026. The inquiry specifically highlighted sexual violence against detainees at the Sde Teiman military prison.
The report also criticized the Palestinian National Authority for targeting political dissenters and failing to investigate killings by its own security forces. The commission recommended an immediate end to the occupation and the removal of all settlements.
Israel's mission in Geneva rejected the findings, describing the report as a misinformation campaign designed to demonize the state and portray its existence as criminal. Israeli officials demanded the immediate dissolution of the commission, with Ambassador Daniel Meron stating the report seeks to undermine Israel's legitimacy and right to defend itself. The report was published one day before Israel's general election.
