Genocide refers to the deliberate destruction of a group based on its identity, as defined by Raphael Lemkin, who introduced the term after witnessing the horrors of Nazi atrocities. The term was legally recognized in 1946 by the United Nations. Genocide includes actions such as killing, causing harm, and inflicting conditions that destroy a group. Israel’s military actions in Gaza are not aimed at destroying the Palestinian population but targeting Hamas, a terrorist organization. Statements from Israeli officials and military practices reinforce that Israel does not intend to harm innocent civilians in Gaza.

Israel’s military response in Gaza is aimed at Hamas, not the Palestinian population, which is not genocide but a defense against a terrorist group that seeks Israel’s destruction. Hamas’s actions represent genocidal intent, targeting Israeli civilians and propagating hatred against Jews. Israel’s actions are consistent with international law, focusing on eliminating Hamas and its military infrastructure in Gaza. The use of significant military force is justified, given Hamas’s attacks on Israel. These actions are not genocide, as they are in direct response to a genocidal attack by Hamas.

Israel’s military efforts are designed to minimize harm to Palestinian civilians, with the IDF issuing warnings before strikes and setting up humanitarian corridors. Despite challenges, Israel’s focus is on protecting civilians by evacuating them from battle zones and providing aid. The actions reflect Israel’s desire to protect civilians from harm while addressing the threat posed by Hamas. Claims of genocidal intent are contradicted by Israel’s humanitarian efforts in Gaza. The goal is to remove civilians from harm’s way while dismantling Hamas’s infrastructure.

Hamas deliberately places Palestinian civilians in harm’s way to use them as human shields and to manipulate public opinion by inflating civilian casualties. It fires missiles from civilian areas, turning them into legitimate military targets. While Israel aims to avoid civilian harm, it cannot entirely eliminate the risk due to Hamas’s tactics. The responsibility for civilian casualties lies with Hamas, which exacerbates the situation by using civilian sites to shield its operations. Israel’s military actions, while tragic, are legally justified in targeting legitimate military objectives.

Claims of genocide by Israel in Gaza are based on misunderstandings and unverified information. The true circumstances surrounding civilian casualties are unclear due to Hamas’s control of Gaza’s health ministry and its influence on casualty reporting. The real causes of civilian deaths, including whether they were caused by Hamas’s actions or Israeli strikes, are often unclear. Claims of genocide are fueled by misinformation, and the real blame for civilian suffering should lie with Hamas. Efforts to end the suffering in Gaza would be better focused on defeating Hamas, ensuring peace for both Palestinians and Israelis.