A significant number of employees within the United Nations’ primary human rights body are pressing their leadership to formally designate Israel’s military campaign in Gaza as genocide. In an internal communication, staff have also urged UN member nations to halt weapons transfers to Israel, arguing that mere criticism is no longer sufficient.
The letter, endorsed by approximately a quarter of the staff at the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights, contends that Israel’s offensive satisfies the legal criteria for genocide. It asserts that continuing arms sales and related support to Israeli authorities represents a violation of international law by all participating states.
Multiple staff members expressed frustration with what they perceive as the agency’s reluctance to move beyond condemning Israel’s actions. One signatory noted that while the leadership has consistently criticized Israel for nearly two years, stronger measures are now required. The official stated that clear directives must be provided to member states about their obligations to prevent genocide, including potential legal consequences for non-compliance.
The communication emphasizes that the human rights office bears both legal and moral responsibilities to identify acts of genocide, warning that failure to do so could undermine the credibility of the entire UN human rights system.
While UN officials have noted that only international courts can make formal genocide determinations—a process that typically requires years—the letter argues that available evidence already meets the legal threshold. International court experts have indicated that a ruling on genocide allegations against Israel is unlikely before late 2027 at the earliest.
The conflict has resulted in substantial civilian casualties and displacement in Gaza, with numerous international human rights organizations already characterizing the situation as genocide. Israeli authorities have consistently rejected these allegations, maintaining that their military operations constitute self-defense following Hamas’s October 2023 attacks.
In response to the staff letter, the High Commissioner acknowledged the concerns raised and pledged continued efforts to demand accountability regarding arms transfers that might facilitate violations. A spokesperson for the office noted the challenging environment in which they operate, facing accusations of bias while attempting to document conditions and raise alarms about potential atrocity crimes.
The internal dissent highlights ongoing tensions within international institutions regarding the appropriate response to the Gaza conflict, with staff advocating for stronger language and actions than their leadership has thus far been willing to implement.
