‘Do not call it war, it is a genocide’ in Gaza, says UN rapporteur

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - The UN special rapporteur on Palestine on Tuesday said that what is happening in the Gaza Strip is not “war” but a “genocide.”

"There are many ways in which Israel is destroying the Palestinians in Gaza. Creating unsustainable and inhumane conditions of life is the most complex and cruel," Francesca Albanese said on X.

"Do not call it 'war'. It is a genocide. The motives are irrelevant," Albanese said. "The intent (ie the determination) to destroy is evident and unequivocal."

She added: "As unequivocal is the complicity of others states."

Her remarks came after Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, said Monday that the daily humanitarian assistance is "the lowest in a long time" as an average of only 30 trucks enter daily in October.

Lazzarini stressed that this could not meet the needs of "starving and sick" 2 million people and it only represents 6% of the supplies allowed in Gaza before October 2023.

Israel has continued a devastating offensive on Gaza since the Oct. 7, 2023 attacks by Hamas, killing nearly 43,400 people and rendering the enclave almost uninhabitable.

Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its actions in the blockaded enclave.