Nobel laureate Navi Pillay reaffirms finding that Israel committed genocide in Gaza

Nobel Peace Prize laureate Navi Pillay has reaffirmed the finding that Israel committed genocide in Gaza, citing the systematic killing of Palestinians, widespread destruction, and statements by Israeli leaders as evidence of genocidal intent.

In an interview with Haaretz, Pillay said the UN Commission of Inquiry, which she chaired, based its conclusion on the cumulative pattern of Israel's actions and evidence of an intent to destroy Palestinians as a group, in whole or in part.

The commission's September 2025 report cited the killing of approximately 75,000 Palestinians, the destruction of homes and critical infrastructure, and the dismantling of essential services, including hospitals, schools and agricultural facilities.

It also examined statements by senior Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, then-Defence Minister Yoav Gallant and President Isaac Herzog. The commission recommended that all three face prosecution for incitement to genocide.

Pillay said the commission established genocidal intent by examining official statements alongside the broader pattern of military conduct.

"It's not a defence to genocide to say, 'Yeah, but I didn't kill all of them,'" she said.

She also questioned Israel's use of weapons that caused widespread civilian casualties and restrictions on essential medicines. She cited attacks on ambulance workers, journalists and other civilians.

The commission also examined the destruction of Gaza's only fertility clinic, which stored up to 5,000 embryos and other reproductive material. It considered the destruction an act intended to prevent births among Palestinians.

Pillay said Israel had refused to allow the commission to enter Gaza and called for international media to be given access to the territory.

"They should let the international media in. Why would the government block international scrutiny? Why did they stop us from investigating?" she said.

The commission's findings remain part of the broader international legal proceedings concerning Israel's conduct in Gaza. Pillay also stressed the need for accountability through international justice mechanisms.