Is There a Genocide in Gaza?

The question has been at the center of international debate since Israel's military campaign in Gaza began following Hamas's October 7, 2023 attack. South Africa brought a case to the International Court of Justice alleging genocide — a case still ongoing, with Israel's written pleadings filed this past March and further submissions not due until 2027 and 2029 — while human rights groups, genocide scholars, and governments remain sharply divided on whether the term applies.

As always, we'll approach the topic with respect and make room for the full range of views in the room. Please do some prior preparation on this one, and come with some information that will help provide clarity to the other participants. The format, as usual: after introductions, our moderator will run the discussion, calling on people in the order hands go up, with some room for spontaneous back-and-forth along the way. If you're new, WELCOME!

I won't provide any provide any background reading except for this:

# Definitions of Genocide and Related Crimes

We will also be hearing a report about our expedition to promote the North Sound Humanists. And there's even more! (I guess you'll just have to come to find out)