Amnesty International accuses Israel of committing genocide in Gaza

Human rights group Amnesty International has concluded that Israel’s war on Gaza meets the legal threshold for genocide in a damning new report.

The report published on Thursday, titled, “You Feel Like You Are Subhuman”: Israel’s Genocide Against Palestinians in Gaza, is the culmination of months of research by Amnesty, including extensive witness interviews, analysis of “visual and digital evidence”, including satellite imagery, and statements made by senior Israeli government and military officials.

Amnesty International: An Overview

Amnesty International is a global non-governmental organization (NGO) focused on protecting and promoting human rights. Founded in 1961, it is one of the world’s most prominent human rights organizations, working independently of any government, political ideology, or economic interest.

Founding and Mission:

• Founded: 1961
• Founder: Peter Benenson, a British lawyer
• Headquarters: London, United Kingdom
• Mission: To conduct research, campaigns, and advocacy to prevent and address human rights abuses worldwide. Its guiding principle is outlined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

Core Areas of Work:

1. Human Rights Advocacy:

1. • Campaigns for freedom of expression, association, and peaceful assembly.
   • Defends the rights of marginalized groups, including women, children, refugees, and LGBTQ+ individuals.

2. Opposition to Torture and Death Penalty:

1. • Works to abolish the death penalty globally.
   • Opposes torture and cruel treatment of detainees.

3. Refugee and Migrant Rights:

1. • Advocates for humane treatment of refugees and asylum seekers.
   • Opposes forced deportations and xenophobic policies.

4. Justice and Accountability:

1. • Documents war crimes, crimes against humanity, and human rights violations.
   • Advocates for justice and reparations for victims.

5. Corporate Accountability:

1. • Addresses the human rights impacts of corporate actions, including labor exploitation and environmental degradation.

6. Armed Conflict and Crisis:

1. • Monitors and reports on human rights abuses in conflict zones.
   • Campaigns for protection of civilians during armed conflicts.