World
UN Commission Accuses Israeli Forces of Genocide, Calls for Global Action
By The Hindu
During a briefing to the United Nations General Assembly last week, retired Indian judge Justice Srinivasan Muralidhar, chair of the International Commission of Inquiry, stated that Israeli security forces were still committing war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide a year after the October 2025 ceasefire agreement brokered by the United States. The Commission’s third report since October 7, 2023, focuses on killings and bodily and mental harm by state actors, predominantly Israeli security forces. It draws on medical records, satellite imagery, forensic analysis, witness testimony and videos posted by Israeli soldiers. The report alleges that soldiers targeted Palestinian civilians, including infants, using artificial intelligence to identify and execute their targets with impunity, and cites statements from top Israeli officials that confirm the killings. Justice Muralidhar said that more than 75,000 Palestinians, including 21,500 children and 11,000 women, have been killed across Palestinian territories since 2023, and that little or no action has been taken by member states, including Israel. The report urges UN members to employ all means to prevent genocide, investigate and prosecute suspects, and establish clear rules for AI use in conflicts. It also calls on UN members to halt military transfers to Israel, impose sanctions on those linked to child abuses, and cooperate with the International Criminal Court to enforce arrest warrants against Israeli officials and soldiers. The findings have shocked many worldwide but have not yet led to significant action. The UN General Assembly lacks the power to implement resolutions aimed at preventing Israel’s actions, and the UN Security Council lacks consensus to do so, given the U.S.’s support of Israel. Justice Muralidhar was unable to present the report in person at the UNGA because the United States withheld a visa. New Delhi, which upholds Palestinian rights and provides humanitarian aid, has avoided any recommendation that could harm relations with Israel. India has abstained from UN resolutions calling for a ceasefire or action against Israel while continuing to supply it with arms, ammunition, ordnance and drone parts. The Ministry of External Affairs has neither directly criticised Israel’s actions nor commented on the disturbing findings of the reports by the UN commission chaired by Justice Muralidhar and his predecessor, 2026 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Navanethem Pillay. The government’s silence conflicts with its stated principles and could place it on the wrong side of history. Published – November 05, 2026 12:10 am IST