An international civil society group called the Gaza Tribunal has ruled that Israel is committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. The verdict came after four days of hearings in Istanbul, Turkey, on October 26, 2025, urging global leaders to hold Israeli officials and their supporters accountable for war crimes.
The tribunal, made up of legal experts and human rights advocates, heard testimonies from survivors, witnesses, and analysts. It aims to document atrocities and push for justice where official courts have been slow to act.
What the Tribunal Found
The jury stated that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal definition of genocide under international law. They pointed to mass killings, forced starvation, and the destruction of homes and hospitals as clear signs of intent to wipe out Palestinian life.
Experts at the hearings described how Israel’s military operations have killed over 43,000 people since October 2023, according to health officials in Gaza. The tribunal also highlighted the blockade that has cut off food, water, and medicine to millions.
One key part of the verdict focused on the role of technology in the attacks. Drones and AI guided bombs have targeted civilian areas with precision, leading to widespread devastation.
The group condemned the ongoing displacement of Palestinians, noting that nearly 90 percent of Gaza’s population has been forced from their homes. This has created a humanitarian crisis with no end in sight.
Background on the Gaza Tribunal
This tribunal started in London in November 2024 as a way to address what organizers see as failures in global justice systems. It follows the model of past people’s tribunals, like the one that exposed U.S. crimes in Vietnam back in the 1960s.
Led by Richard Falk, a former United Nations expert on Palestinian rights, the process gathered evidence over a year. Sessions included public hearings in multiple cities, with the final one in Istanbul drawing international attention.
Organizers say they collected thousands of documents, videos, and survivor stories. These materials form an archive for future legal actions.
Unlike official courts, this tribunal has no legal power to enforce rulings. But it serves as a moral call to action, pressuring governments and the UN to step up.
The effort comes amid other legal moves, such as the International Court of Justice ordering Israel to allow more aid into Gaza just days before the verdict.
Key Accusations Against Israel and Enablers
The tribunal accused Israel of systematic violence, including torture and attacks on journalists. Over 170 media workers have died in Gaza since the war began, making it one of the deadliest conflicts for reporters.
It also blamed Western nations for enabling the acts through arms sales and diplomatic support. The United States alone has provided billions in military aid to Israel during the conflict.
Here are some of the main crimes listed in the verdict:
- Deliberate starvation of civilians by blocking aid convoys.
- Bombing of schools and hospitals, killing thousands of children.
- Forced evictions and destruction of entire neighborhoods.
- Use of banned weapons that cause long term harm to the environment.
The jury warned that ignoring these acts sets a dangerous example for future conflicts around the world.
Global Reactions to the Verdict
World leaders and activists have mixed responses to the tribunal’s findings. Some Palestinian groups hailed it as a step toward accountability, while Israeli officials dismissed it as biased and unofficial.
Human rights organizations like Human Rights Watch echoed the call for more UN involvement. They pointed to a recent ICJ advisory opinion that stressed Israel’s duty to let aid flow freely.
On social media, posts from users worldwide showed support for the tribunal, with many sharing stories of Gaza’s suffering. Protests in cities like London and Istanbul have grown, demanding an end to arms shipments to Israel.
Critics argue the tribunal overlooks Israel’s security concerns, such as rocket attacks from Gaza. But supporters say the scale of destruction goes far beyond self defense.
A former UN official called the verdict a glimmer of light in a dark time, urging more countries to recognize the ongoing crisis.
Post War Plans Under Fire
The tribunal slammed proposals from leaders like U.S. President Donald Trump and French President Emmanuel Macron for Gaza’s future. It said these plans ignore Palestinian rights and fail to address root causes like occupation.
For example, ideas for a stabilization force in Gaza have raised fears of continued control without real peace. The jury called for plans that include Palestinian input and respect international law.
Experts predict these criticisms could influence upcoming peace talks. With elections in several countries, public pressure might force changes in foreign policy.
The verdict also tied into broader issues, like the failure of global bodies to prevent genocides in places like Rwanda or Bosnia in the past.
Timeline of Key Events in the Gaza Conflict
To put the tribunal’s work in context, here is a table showing major developments:
| Date | Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| October 7, 2023 | Hamas attacks Israel, killing about 1,200 people | Sparks the current war, leading to Israel’s invasion of Gaza |
| January 2024 | ICJ issues first orders to Israel on genocide case | Requires prevention of genocidal acts but lacks enforcement |
| November 2024 | Gaza Tribunal launches in London | Begins collecting evidence for people’s justice |
| October 22, 2025 | ICJ rules on aid access to Gaza | Demands Israel cooperate with UN aid efforts |
| October 26, 2025 | Tribunal delivers genocide verdict in Istanbul | Calls for accountability and suspension of Israel from UN |
This timeline shows how the conflict has dragged on, with rising calls for justice.
What Happens Next and Why It Matters
The tribunal’s leaders plan to submit their findings to the UN and other bodies. They hope it will support cases at the International Criminal Court, where arrest warrants for Israeli leaders are already under review.
This could lead to boycotts or sanctions if more countries act. Analysts say it highlights a shift in global opinion, with younger generations pushing for change through social media and protests.
In the end, the verdict reminds us that justice often starts with voices from below when systems fail. It ties into recent events like anti war rallies in Europe and the U.S., showing the issue remains hot.
Share your thoughts on this verdict in the comments below, and spread the word to keep the conversation going. Your voice can help push for real change.
