A landmark UN report has accused Israel of committing the crime against humanity of "extermination" by targeting Palestinian civilians sheltering in schools, mosques, and cultural sites across Gaza. The Independent International Commission of Inquiry (COI) stated these attacks form part of Israel’s "concerted campaign to obliterate Palestinian life," inflicting generational harm on education, culture, and collective identity.
The commission found Israeli forces deliberately attacked schools and religious facilities housing displaced civilians, killing hundreds of women and children. These acts constitute extermination—a crime against humanity—as well as war crimes including "directing attacks against civilians and wilful killing". Chair Navi Pillay emphasized: "Israel’s targeting of educational, cultural, and religious life will harm present and future generations, hindering their right to self-determination".
Over 90% of Gaza’s schools and universities and more than half its religious/cultural sites have been damaged or destroyed since October 2023. The report documented cases where Israeli forces seized institutions like Al-Azhar University’s campus, converting parts into a synagogue for troops. This systematic erasure has left 658,000 children without education for nearly two years amid "starvation and subhuman living conditions".
Israel’s assault extended beyond Gaza. In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, authorities intensified military operations and settler attacks on educational facilities. Israeli and Palestinian educators/students expressing solidarity with Gaza faced harassment, arrests, and dismissals. Female activists were particularly targeted to deter public dissent.
While stopping short of declaring genocide, the report stated the destruction "may infer genocidal intent". This aligns with earlier UN findings that Israel systematically dismantled women’s healthcare to enact "genocidal acts" under the Genocide Convention. Despite International Court of Justice (ICJ) orders to prevent genocide, Israel continues its blockade, deepening famine risks for 2.3 million Gazans.
The COI urged Israel to cease attacks on protected sites, end occupation, and comply with ICJ measures. It also called on Hamas to stop using civilian structures for military purposes. The report will be presented to the UN Human Rights Council on June 17, though Israel withdrew from the council in February, calling it "biased".