The Gaza Tribunal: A Landmark Assessment of Genocide and its Ongoing Reality
Recent discussions surrounding the conflict in Gaza have reached a critical juncture with the findings of the Gaza Tribunal Project (GPT). On our video podcast, “Gaza & the World,” Professor Richard falk, a leading expert in international law, shared invaluable insights into the GPT’s work and its stark conclusions.
You can access the full 57-minute conversation here, listen to the audio on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. A complete transcript is also available here.
A Global Investigation into allegations of Genocide
The GPT, a citizen-led initiative, convened sessions in Istanbul, building on earlier proceedings in London (late 2024) and Sarajevo, Bosnia (May 2025). These sessions meticulously examined testimonies and analyses from eyewitnesses, legal professionals, and scholars.
Ultimately, a “Jury of Conscience” - comprised of six distinguished scholars and activists from around the globe – issued a powerful Final Statement. you can review the statement here. The jurors included:
* Prof. Sami Al-Arian
* Prof. Christine Chinkin
* Dr. Ghada Karmi
* Author Kenize Mourad
* Prof.Chandra Muzaffar
* Prof. Biljana Vankovska
The Tribunal’s Central Finding: Genocide in Gaza
Professor Falk emphasized the tribunal’s conclusion that Israel has been committing genocide – and not solely as the events of October 7, 2023. Testimony from Gaza-based legal scholar Dr. Haidar Eid revealed a shift in tactics. Before October 7th, Israel was accused of “incremental genocide,” while afterward, the situation escalated to “intensified genocide.”
Furthermore, the GPT found that this genocide continues despite the ceasefire of October 10th. This continuation manifests through the intentional creation of a “toxic wasteland,” insufficient aid delivery as stipulated in the ceasefire agreement,and the ongoing psychological trauma inflicted upon the surviving population.
This ongoing reality is detailed in a supplementary paper released by the GPT organizers, titled “The Tribunal concludes, but the genocide continues.” You can access it here.
Beyond Customary definitions of Genocide
The tribunal’s investigation extended beyond conventional understandings of genocide. It identified multiple forms being perpetrated in Gaza, including:
* Domicide: The deliberate destruction of a home and the concept of home.
* Ecocide: The widespread destruction of the surroundings.
* Scholasticide: The systematic destruction of educational institutions and the suppression of knowledge.
The Final Statement also directly addresses the complicity of the United States and other Western governments in these actions. This is a critical point for understanding the broader geopolitical context.
A Loss of Legitimacy and the Future of the Conflict
Professor Falk also analyzed the failures of the United Nations, particularly the Security Council. He contrasted this with the more principled stances taken by the International Court of Justice and UN Special Rapporteurs.
Despite Israel’s military strength, Falk argues that it has suffered a importent loss of legitimacy. He believes this “legitimacy war” will ultimately prove decisive, drawing parallels to past anti-colonial struggles.
This loss of legitimacy, coupled with the growing international scrutiny of Israel’s actions, represents a potential turning point in the conflict.The
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