Israel has committed genocide in Gaza, UN report

Residents of Gaza City reported heavy overnight strikes as Israeli ground forces entered the city, marking the first phase of the military’s takeover plan.

The escalation comes as a United Nations inquiry has concluded that Israel’s actions in Gaza constitute genocide, a landmark finding after nearly two years of conflict. Navi Pillay, chair of the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, announced the findings to Al Jazeera on Tuesday.

The report cited statements from Israeli officials and “circumstantial evidence” that contributed to the Commission’s conclusion of genocidal intent.

Blake Sifton reports from Tel Aviv.