Israel rejects UN genocide report as legitimizing terrorism

Israel's Foreign Affairs Ministry on Monday rejected a UN commission report accusing Israel of genocide, calling it a "propaganda document detached from reality" that undermines Israel's right to self-defense and legitimizes jihadist terrorism. The UN Commission of Inquiry report accused Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity in the West Bank and Gaza, citing nearly 500 Palestinian deaths annually in the West Bank since 2022 and a sharp rise in airstrike fatalities. It also alleged sexual violence against detainees and criticized Palestinian Authority abuses. The report, which names Hamas only twice without accusing it of wrongdoing, cited statements by Israeli officials including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and Maj.-Gen. Avi Bluth. Israel has previously rejected the commission's allegations, saying the IDF has rules prohibiting misconduct.