By: Kashif Anwar

As the ongoing conflict in Gaza has escalated amid grave allegations and fragile diplomatic efforts, the United Nations has published a report accusing Israel of genocide, sexual violence, and deliberate targeting of civilians in Gaza, amplifying international condemnation amid the protracted conflict. The UN Commission of Inquiry’s findings allege war crimes, including systemic destruction of healthcare infrastructure and disproportionate harm to women and children, with over 48,000 Palestinian fatalities reported. Israel dismissed the allegations as politically motivated, defending its military actions as self-defence following Hamas’s October 2023 attack. Concurrent ceasefire negotiations in Qatar, involving US mediation, aim to secure a permanent truce, Israeli troop withdrawal, Gaza’s reconstruction, and a prisoner exchange.

However, progress is hampered by Israeli hardliners’ opposition and mistrust of Hamas’s hostage-release proposals. Controversially, reported US-Israel discussions on resettling displaced Gazans in African nations, including Sudan and Somalia, have sparked allegations of ethnic cleansing and breaches of international law. As the International Criminal Court explores potential war crime charges, resolving the conflict demands balancing accountability, humanitarian imperatives, and geopolitical complexities, with global attention fixed on achieving lasting stability.

Accusations of Genocide and Sexual Violence Against Israel in Gaza

The conflict in Gaza has intensified as United Nations experts have accused Israel of committing genocide and engaging in sexual violence against Palestinians. These allegations come amid an already devastating war that has claimed tens of thousands of lives, primarily among Palestinian civilians. As the international community grapples with the implications of these accusations, ceasefire negotiations have resumed in Qatar, offering a glimmer of hope for an end to the bloodshed.

The United Nations Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory recently published a damning report accusing Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. The report highlights the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, the targeting of women and children, and the use of sexual violence as a tool of war. According to the report, Israeli forces have engaged in:

• Sexual and gender-based violence – The UN experts found evidence suggesting that Israeli forces used sexual violence, including rape and other forms of abuse, against Palestinian detainees and civilians.
• Targeting of women and children – With over 48,000 Palestinians killed, the majority of whom are women and children, the report suggests that Israel’s military campaign has been disproportionately aimed at vulnerable populations.
• Destruction of healthcare facilities – Israel has bombed hospitals, maternity wards, and other medical facilities, preventing women from accessing reproductive healthcare and leading to numerous maternal and infant deaths.

Israel’s Response

Israel has strongly denied the allegations, dismissing them as baseless and politically motivated as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has criticised the U.N. Human Rights Council, accusing it of bias against Israel. He rejected the claims of genocide and gender-based violence, arguing that Israel operates within international law and takes measures to avoid civilian casualties. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has strongly denied the allegations, calling them “absurd and politically motivated.” He has accused the UN Human Rights Council of bias against Israel and dismissed the claims as propaganda.

As the Israeli government asserts that any civilian casualties are a result of Hamas embedding its military infrastructure in residential areas. Israel has also stated that the destruction of hospitals and civilian infrastructure in Gaza was due to Hamas using them for military purposes. Netanyahu emphasized that Israel’s military actions are in response to Hamas’s October 2023 attack, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 Israelis. He insisted that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hamas, which he accused of using Palestinian civilians as human shields.

International Responses

The allegations have elicited varied reactions from the international community. The State of Qatar expressed deep concern over the continued exposure of children to violations in armed conflicts, emphasizing the importance of protecting children’s rights in all situations. Abdulrahman Saud Abdullah Naqdan, Second Secretary at the International Cooperation Department of Qatar’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted Qatar’s commitment to safeguarding children affected by armed conflicts through initiatives in education, health, and humanitarian aid.

Further, international human rights organizations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have echoed some of the UN’s findings, calling for an independent investigation. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has also taken an interest in the case, with some legal experts suggesting that Israeli leaders could face charges for war crimes and crimes against humanity. Despite these accusations, Israel maintains that it is acting in self-defence against Hamas, which launched a surprise attack on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 Israelis. The Israeli government argues that Hamas operates within civilian areas, making it difficult to avoid collateral damage. Nevertheless, the sheer scale of the destruction and loss of civilian life in Gaza has led to growing international condemnation.

Ceasefire Negotiations in Qatar

Amid mounting allegations of war crimes, Hamas has announced that it is resuming ceasefire negotiations with Israel in Doha, Qatar. The talks, mediated by Qatari officials and international diplomats, aim to bring an end to the devastating war and secure the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Gaza.

According to Hamas officials, their primary demands in the negotiations include:

• An immediate and permanent ceasefire – Hamas insists that Israel must halt all military operations in Gaza and commit to a lasting peace.
• The withdrawal of Israeli forces – Since the war began, Israeli forces have occupied large parts of Gaza, and Hamas is calling for their complete withdrawal.
• The reconstruction of Gaza – With much of the enclave reduced to rubble, Hamas is seeking international aid to rebuild homes, hospitals, and schools.
• A prisoner exchange deal – Hamas is negotiating for the release of Palestinian prisoners in exchange for Israeli hostages.

The Israeli government has expressed cautious optimism about the negotiations, with some officials suggesting that a deal could be reached in the coming weeks. However, there are significant challenges ahead, as Israeli hardliners oppose any concessions to Hamas.

The United States has also been involved in the negotiations, with US Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff arriving in Doha to participate in the talks. Washington has urged both sides to reach an agreement, emphasizing the need to protect civilians and restore stability to the region.

Qatar’s Role in the Conflict Resolution

Qatar has played a crucial role as a mediator in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, leveraging its diplomatic ties with both Hamas and Western nations. The Gulf nation has previously brokered ceasefire agreements and prisoner swaps between the two sides, earning it a reputation as a key negotiator in Middle Eastern conflicts. Despite its efforts to bring peace, Qatar has also been criticized by Israel for allegedly providing financial support to Hamas.

However, Qatari officials maintain that their funding is directed toward humanitarian aid, including rebuilding Gaza’s infrastructure and providing assistance to displaced civilians. The international community is watching closely as ceasefire talks unfold in Doha. If successful, the negotiations could bring much-needed relief to the millions of Palestinians suffering from the war. However, past attempts at peace have often been short-lived, with fighting resuming shortly after agreements were reached.

More Challenges Ahead – Displacement of Gaza people

In a move to advance ceasefire negotiations, Hamas has expressed willingness to release Edan Alexander, a dual American-Israeli national, along with the bodies of four deceased individuals. However, Israel has expressed skepticism regarding this offer, viewing it as a potential tactic to manipulate ongoing negotiations in Qatar. The specifics of the release, including timing and terms, remain unclear. Further, reports have emerged that the United States and Israel have approached African nations, including Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, regarding the possibility of resettling Palestinians from Gaza.

As the US and Israel have reportedly explored plans to resettle Palestinians displaced from Gaza in African nations, including Sudan, Somalia, and Somaliland, according to multiple sources. The proposals, part of controversial diplomatic efforts, have faced fierce backlash, with critics condemning them as potential violations of international law. Sudan explicitly rejected the idea, while Somali and Somaliland officials denied any formal discussions. Human rights organisations and legal experts argue such forced displacement could amount to ethnic cleansing or a war crime, infringing on Palestinians’ right to return to their homeland. The plans have drawn parallels to historical instances of population transfer, raising ethical and legal concerns. Meanwhile, the US and Israel have not publicly confirmed the proposals, which remain shrouded in diplomatic ambiguity. The discussions underscore the deepening complexity of the Gaza conflict’s humanitarian fallout, with international scrutiny intensifying over measures perceived to undermine Palestinian self-determination.

Conclusion

The ongoing conflict in Gaza remains mired in allegations and diplomatic complexities. A recent UN report accuses Israel of genocide, sexual violence, and disproportionate targeting of civilians, claims Israel vehemently denies as politically motivated. Amid escalating casualties—over 48,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children—ceasefire negotiations in Qatar seek a permanent truce, Israeli troop withdrawal, Gaza’s reconstruction, and a prisoner exchange. Qatar’s mediation, supported by U.S. involvement, faces hurdles due to Israeli hardliners’ resistance and Hamas’s demands. International bodies like the ICC and human rights groups urge investigations, while controversial proposals to resettle Palestinians in African nations draw condemnation. Despite cautious optimism, skepticism persists, fueled by failed past agreements and Israel’s dismissal of Hamas’s hostage-release offer. The conflict’s resolution hinges on balancing accountability, humanitarian needs, and geopolitical stakes, with the world watching for a breakthrough that could redefine regional stability.