Strikes across Gaza kill at least 31 as international scholars accuse Israel of genocide

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🗞️ Driving the news: At least 31 Palestinians were killed in Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip on Monday, according to local health officials, amid Israel’s intensifying military offensive on Gaza City
• Simultaneously, the International Association of Genocide Scholars formally accused Israel of committing genocide in Gaza — a charge Israel categorically denies, calling it “an embarrassment to the legal profession”

🔭 The context: The Israeli military declared Gaza City a combat zone last week and has resumed large-scale attacks involving airstrikes, artillery shelling, and even robotic demolition of buildings in areas like the Jabaliya refugee camp
• The war began after Hamas’ October 7, 2023 assault on southern Israel, which killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of over 250 hostages
• Israel's response has resulted in over 63,000 Palestinian deaths, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: The war in Gaza has compounded an already dire humanitarian crisis, with the region now facing confirmed famine and mass displacement
• Experts warn that Israel’s blockade and ongoing military operations have obliterated food production systems and medical infrastructure, pushing civilians into extreme vulnerability
• The scholars’ genocide accusation may intensify scrutiny of Israel’s conduct and accelerate global calls for accountability

⏭️ What's next: The Israeli government continues to reject ceasefire demands, even as domestic protests escalate over its handling of hostage negotiations and war strategy
• Meanwhile, the Global Sumud Flotilla — carrying activists from 44 countries, including Greta Thunberg — has resumed its journey to Gaza to protest the blockade, though similar efforts in the past have been intercepted by Israeli forces
• The UN and other international bodies may face mounting pressure to respond to the genocide allegation and growing civilian toll

💬 One quote: “People who are experts in the study of genocide can see this situation for what it is,” said Melanie O’Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars.

📈 One stat: 63,557 Palestinians have been killed and 160,660 wounded since the war began, according to Gaza’s Health Ministry. Women and children are reported to make up approximately half of the fatalities.

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