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A United Nations commission of inquiry has found that Israel continued to commit genocide in Gaza despite a ceasefire agreement that came into effect in October 2025, accusing Israeli authorities and forces of carrying out acts intended to destroy Palestinians, in whole or in part.
In a report released on Monday, the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and Israel said Israeli forces continued attacks involving airstrikes, artillery, drones and gunfire during the ceasefire.
The report also accused Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in the occupied Palestinian territories, including extermination, persecution, torture, rape and other forms of sexual violence.
According to the commission, Israeli control over Gaza has expanded since the ceasefire.
Areas under Israeli control have increased from around 51–53 per cent of the territory to at least 60 per cent, with the temporary ceasefire demarcation known as the Yellow Line increasingly functioning as a de facto border.
The report said Palestinian civilians had been killed or injured when approaching or crossing the line, while Israeli forces continued to use heavy weapons in densely populated areas.
The commission also raised concerns over the deteriorating situation in the occupied West Bank, where Israeli military operations and sustained settler violence have intensified since October 2023.
It said 254 Palestinians were killed in airstrikes in the West Bank between October 7, 2023, and September 30, 2026, compared with six between 2008 and October 6, 2023.
Commission chair Srinivasan Muralidhar said the killing and injuring of Palestinian civilians, alongside the destruction of homes, formed part of a broader strategy to displace Palestinians and impose unliveable conditions.
Israel rejected the report, describing it as a misinformation campaign aimed at undermining the country’s legitimacy.
Israeli authorities have repeatedly denied allegations of genocide and war crimes, maintaining that their military operations target security threats.
The commission’s findings reflect the conclusions of the UN-mandated independent inquiry and do not represent an official determination by all UN member states.
