Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in Gaza is continuing despite the ceasefire announced more than a month ago, Amnesty International said, warning that Israeli authorities are still deliberately inflicting conditions of life intended to bring about the physical destruction of Palestinians.
In a new briefing released this week, Amnesty sets out a legal analysis of the ongoing genocide and includes testimonies from residents, medical workers and humanitarian staff who describe the dire conditions that persist across the besieged enclave.
“The ceasefire risks creating a dangerous illusion that life in Gaza is returning to normal. But while Israeli authorities and forces have reduced the scale of their attacks and allowed limited amounts of humanitarian aid into Gaza, the world must not be fooled. Israel’s genocide is not over,” said Agnès Callamard, Amnesty International’s Secretary General.
She added: “Israel has inflicted devastating harm on Palestinians in Gaza through its genocide, including two years of relentless bombardment and deliberate systematic starvation. So far, there is no indication that Israel is taking serious measures to reverse the deadly impact of its crimes and no evidence that its intent has changed.”
Amnesty’s analysis builds on its December 2024 study, which concluded that Israel was committing genocide by carrying out killings, causing serious bodily and mental harm, and deliberately inflicting conditions of life calculated to destroy Palestinians in Gaza.
The organisation said that despite the reduction in bombardment, the underlying genocidal conduct remains unchanged. Essential supplies continue to be restricted; critical infrastructure remains unrepaired; and Palestinians remain confined to less than half of the territory, largely in areas incapable of supporting basic life.
At least 347 Palestinians, including 136 children, have been killed in Israeli attacks since the ceasefire was announced on 9 October.
Amnesty also warned that Israel has taken no steps to investigate or prosecute officials suspected of responsibility for genocide, and that senior Israeli figures continue to make open genocidal statements without consequence.
It noted that even the ceasefire was achieved only through international pressure, rather than any change in Israel’s stance. “Israeli officials responsible for orchestrating, overseeing and materially committing genocide remain in power,” Callamard said. “Failing to demonstrate that they or their government will be held accountable effectively gives them free rein to continue the genocide.”
“Now is not the time to ease pressure on the Israeli authorities,” said Callamard. “World leaders must demonstrate that they truly are committed to upholding their duty to prevent genocide and to ending the impunity that has fuelled decades of Israeli crimes across the Occupied Palestinian Territory.”
“The ceasefire must not become a smokescreen for Israel’s ongoing genocide.”