Washington: The president of J Street, a US-based pro-Israel advocacy group, has made a significant acknowledgment that Israel has violated the international genocide convention in the Gaza Strip. Jeremy Ben-Ami expressed his realization in a recent blog post, indicating a shift in his understanding of the situation.
According to Anadolu Agency, Ben-Ami admitted he was persuaded by legal and scholarly arguments that international courts would eventually determine Israel's actions in Gaza as a breach of the genocide convention. He questioned how Israel, a state founded by people who survived genocide, could be involved in such serious accusations. This acknowledgment has stirred reactions within the Jewish community, where some find it inconceivable and outrageous to even consider the possibility.
Ben-Ami specifically highlighted actions by Israel, such as denying food and necessities to civilians, targeting civilians seeking food, and the extensive destruction of Gaza's infrastructure. He accused Israel of forcing the population into unlivable conditions, potentially leading to their displacement. Ben-Ami admitted he previously defended against labeling these actions as genocide but now refuses to argue against those who do so.
He predicted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his government would face legal consequences, despite potential accusations of antisemitism from Jewish organizations. He foresees a negative historical legacy for the current Israeli leadership due to the actions taken in Gaza.
The Israeli military has continued its offensive on Gaza since October 7, 2023, resulting in over 61,000 Palestinian deaths, with women and children making up nearly half of the casualties. The ongoing campaign has severely impacted Gaza, nearing a humanitarian crisis.
In November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Israel also faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice related to its actions in the enclave.