In a landmark move for Israeli rights groups and NGOs, B’Tselem and Physicians for Human Rights declared Monday that the war in Gaza constitutes genocide against Palestinians.
Both organizations are frequent critics of Israeli government policies, but the language in their reports issued Monday was their most stark yet.
"Nothing prepares you for the realization that you are part of a society committing genocide. This is a deeply painful moment for us," B'Tselem executive director, Yuli Novak, told a news conference unveiling the two reports.
"As Israelis and Palestinians who live here and witness the reality every day, we have a duty to speak the truth as clearly as possible," she said.
"Israel is committing genocide against the Palestinians."
