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The National
18-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The National
The cost of silence amid Gaza genocide is measured in human lives
As a rebuke, US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee calls on Ireland to apologise to Israel and has asked: 'Did the Irish fall into a vat of Guinness and propose something so stupid that it would be attributed to an act of diplomatic intoxication?' READ MORE: 12 countries agree concrete steps to halt Gaza genocide Significantly, Huckabee has also previously stated that 'there is no such thing as a Palestinian.' In contrast to these political responses, prominent Israeli Holocaust and genocide scholars Amos Goldberg, Omer Bartov, Daniel Blatman, Raz Segal and Shmuel Lederman have all concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. According to Goldberg, other genocide experts who have reached this determination include Martin Shaw, author of the book What is Genocide?; Melanie O'Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars; and Dirk Moses, senior editor of the Journal of Genocide Research. When nations ignore the clear assessments of these scholars, they abandon both moral responsibility and international law. The cost of this silence is measured in human lives. Terry Hansen Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA SURELY there is a fairly simple solution to all the brouhaha about Gaza: How to Survive a Warzone? If, as Ron Lumiere says, 'the boy's narration was scripted, ie he was a voice actor, not an editorial contribution,' why not re-present the film with another neutral voice? Yes, films are expensive to make, but most of the cost must have gone on what would still be usable, with now only a slight expense more to re-dub. We've heard so much about this film, that I doubt if anyone would object to an impartial voice, for all it wouldn't be quite as dramatic as the original intended. Catriona de Voil Arbroath THE value of land or property is purely notional. It's what one person is prepared to pay for it, IF it were offered for sale and someone wanted it and agreed to buy it. All properties are unique, in terms of precise location and condition, even if design is shared. Even the unique view out of the window can affect a sale and price. But at any point in time, most properties and land holdings are NOT for sale – so their value has to be estimated based on similar nearby property exchanges. Doing that constantly by the state for millions of holdings is a complex logistical exercise. When the original Council Tax bandings were determined in the early 1990s, it was done a street at a time. Rough justice and anomalies result. People have to be able to appeal the notional valuation. That's not to say it cannot be done, but its a huge logistical exercise for comparatively little of the total tax base in return. READ MORE: Craig Dalzell: No need to wait for UK. Scotland can launch own form of wealth tax Contrast that with income. The vast majority of the population have only one source of income, a wage paid by a single employer. Of course some people have multiple or complex income arrangements, but they are the minority. So an income-based tax to fund local services is vastly simpler to administer. I'm not against broad-based property taxes – property and land cannot be moved as easily as other forms of wealth, and holding of large amounts CAN be directly associated with wealth. But to rely on it as a newer form of major taxation for municipal government functions, when we already have an established apparatus for calculating national income tax, needs to be thought through carefully. Likewise the fact that the current Council Tax doesn't actually fund local government – it funds only about 20% of it, the vast majority being paid by central government grants based on income tax and other national taxes take. So this creates a problematic 'democratic deficit' caused by the 'gearing ratio' between local and national taxes – in order to raise the overall income of a council by 1%, the locally elected councillors need to raise the local tax rate by five times that increase, ie 5%. Understandably local voters are then confused at why their bills have been increased by 5% when services are only improving by 1%. While it is tempting to transfer local government funding of services entirely to central government (as in the Scottish Socialist Party's 2005 proposals), there is a stronger democratic argument to move the tax base for local government services more to local democratic control, as was the case with the old property rating system. Having a new dual local system based on both broad property value and income tax rates might be a good combination. But as wealth varies significantly by area, central government also needs to pay a fairly substantial 'equalisation' grant that ensures areas with poorer incomes and lower land/property values are not disadvantaged. The proposals set out by Craig Dalzell (Could Scotland launch its own form of wealth tax?, Jul 14) may be PART of the solution, but they are NOT the total answer. Michael Picken via
Irish Independent
18-07-2025
- Politics
- Irish Independent
Letters: It's time for Israel to listen to their own Holocaust scholars on what constitutes genocide
As a rebuke, the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee, calls on Ireland to apologise to Israel, writing online: 'Did the Irish fall into a vat of Guinness & propose something so stupid that it would be attributed to an act of diplomatic intoxication?' Significantly, Huckabee has also stated that 'there is no such thing as a Palestinian'. In contrast to these political responses, prominent Israeli Holocaust and genocide scholars Amos Goldberg, Omer Bartov, Daniel Blatman, Raz Segal and Shmuel Lederman have all concluded that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. According to Dr Goldberg: 'Other genocide experts who have reached this determination include Martin Shaw, author of the book What is Genocide?; Melanie O'Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars; and Dirk Moses, senior editor of the Journal of Genocide Research.' When nations ignore the clear assessments of these scholars, they abandon both moral responsibility and international law. The cost of this silence is measured in human lives. Terry Hansen, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Dark times when a US ambassador is so bereft of tact on a nation's affairs The diplomatic service of the US was once renowned and admired globally, mainly staffed by professional, patriotic men and women with enormous pride in representing their nation internationally. Alas, the imbecilic statement by the US ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee ('Taoiseach hits back after US ambassador to Israel says Irish have 'fallen into a vat of Guinness' over Occupied Territories Bill', Irish Independent, July 17) shows clearly how absolutely bereft of tact he is. His remarks on Irish legislation might suggest he is not a fit person to serve in any capacity representing the US. As the late theologian Professor Barbara Holmes wrote: 'There are many types of darkness. There is the darkness of determined ignorance and hatred, impenetrable and smothering.' ADVERTISEMENT Declan Foley, Melbourne, Australia Catherine Connolly – a fine, honest parliamentarian – would be wasted in the Áras Now that Catherine Connolly TD has launched her bid for the presidency, political commentators are beside themselves with excitement. But given that it has been often said that 'a government is as good as its opposition', we must ask ourselves if it is politically wise to consign this standout parliamentarian to the Park. The presidency is largely a ceremonial role with minimal impact upon public policy, where the most important function is to sign whatever act of parliament is presented to them, and where they cannot address the nation or leave the country without government approval. In the Dáil as an Independent TD free from the constraints of party strategies and agendas, she has held the Government to account on many issues, from the provision of local health centres to the outrages currently being perpetrated upon Palestinians. Almost alone she called out the national antipathy generated by our government towards those who, having assessed the available evidence together with their GP, concluded that taking the Covid jab was not for them. She is admired for admitting in the Dáil that she was wrong in adopting left-wing party policy which insisted on zero-Covid before reopening society and the economy. Incidentally these are the same parties that she now needs to ensure her nomination. Perhaps most memorably before the two failed referendums last year, she was one of very few public figures to call out the absence of legislative scrutiny, disingenuous claims, and the ambiguous language associated with them. We badly need Catherine Connolly's talent and skill set in the Dáil. She is too important to be confined in the Áras enclosure. Gearoid Duffy, Lee Road, Cork Planning pitfalls revealed in report, but can a better turnaround be achieved? I note that recommendations of a report published on Wednesday afternoon last by the new Oireachtas Committee on Infrastructure have called for quicker decision-making as well as a less cumbersome planning process, and more trained construction workers. The committee will also oversee delivery of the revised National Development Plan, which is due to be revealed next week. There have been repeated complaints from industry and from utility companies about the lack of investment in areas – from transport to waste and to water treatment. In last week's report, the committee said projects of national import shouldn't depend on windfall taxes like the Apple billions. If that's the case, it leaves me wondering where they believe this money will be found. John O'Brien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Thousands of schoolbooks are dumped each year, so free scheme seems a waste The free schoolbooks scheme needs to be examined. I've just returned from the recycling centre where I deposited a large number of Junior Cert books, most of which were in excellent condition, as pupils do so much work online now. This is such a waste. Thousands of good books are sent to the bin every year. Surely this could be managed better and books could be re-used. Such a waste of taxpayers' money. Donough McGuinness, Bray, Co Wicklow EuroMillions family can toast their win with a very different kind of bread In common with the €250m EuroMillions winners, I enjoy a ham and cheese sandwich. Mind you, the big difference is now is, the 'bread' involved in our different households. Tom Gilsenan, Beaumont, Dublin Kingdom will rule and the 'Donegal boys' will be left sobbing after football final With the greatest respect to Brian McDevitt, ('Donegal boys look to be unstoppable and brought tears to my eyes on Sunday, Irish Independent, Letters, July 16), the only tears he will have at the end of the All-Ireland football final will be tears of sorrow. An Ríocht abú.
India Today
22-06-2025
- Health
- India Today
Exclusive: 'Every Day Is a Fight for Survival in Gaza" says Genocide Scholar Dr. Melanie O'Brien
In an exclusive interview, Dr. Melanie O'Brien, President of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), provides critical insights into the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the complex legal framework surrounding genocide prevention. Dr. O'Brien emphasises that understanding genocide requires a comprehensive historical perspective. "In genocide studies, we call genocide a process, not an event, and that's why we look beyond today, beyond yesterday, going back several years to see what has happened in terms of human rights abuses, and particularly persecution and discrimination of a particular targeted group," she The legal definition of genocide centers on specific intent, which Dr. O'Brien notes creates significant challenges in prosecution. "Genocide is defined as the destruction in whole or in part of a group... carried out through one of five different crimes including killing and causing serious bodily or mental harm," she states. "The intent to destroy a particular group is what makes genocide different and also quite difficult to prove in a court of law because you have to be able to prove that the perpetrators intended to destroy that people."Regarding the current situation in Gaza, Dr. O'Brien points to several concerning patterns. "We are seeing indiscriminate bombing, long-term indiscriminate bombing that is killing people, that is destroying livelihoods, that is destroying infrastructure, that is destroying healthcare facilities and healthcare workers," she observes. She particularly highlights the strategic use of humanitarian aid as a weapon: "Denial of humanitarian aid, including food, healthcare, and medicine, is leading to a high likelihood of death. Therefore, you have to say their intent must be to kill, to destroy, at least in part, the Palestinian people of Gaza."advertisementDr. O'Brien also discusses the psychological warfare tactics employed, noting that "Israeli military open firing on people queuing for food, resulting in deaths, is designed to create fear so that people don't even want to try and get food, because that is just another situation where they risk death."The scholar acknowledges the historical context whilst maintaining legal clarity: "The genocide convention came about in part as a result of the Holocaust... The Jewish people have an existential fear that someone will destroy their people because it happened to them." However, she firmly states that "even if Israel had a right to self-defense against an armed attack from Hamas, there is certainly no justification for the commission of genocide."Dr. O'Brien criticises the international community's response, particularly highlighting how "the Security Council system, with the veto power of the permanent five members including the United States, essentially prevents any action from being taken regarding this situation." She notes that while "there are arrest warrants that the International Criminal Court has issued against Benjamin Netanyahu and the former defense minister of Israel Yav Galant, waiting for implementation," meaningful enforcement remains human cost remains paramount in Dr. O'Brien's analysis: "On the ground in Gaza, every individual is hoping they survive each day, not knowing where their food will come from or whether they will be bombed or shot at."Must Watch
Middle East Eye
05-06-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Israel committing genocide in Gaza, says top legal scholar Melanie O'Brien
The head of the world's largest academic association on genocide has declared Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide. Dr Melanie O'Brien, president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars (IAGS), outlined her legal opinion in an interview with Middle East Eye, ahead of an upcoming episode of the Expert Witness podcast featuring leading genocide experts. "Applying the legal definitions of genocide as found in the Genocide Convention and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, I would determine that what is happening in Gaza constitutes genocide," O'Brien said. "The definition involves acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group. These include killing or imposing conditions meant to bring about physical destruction," she explained, referring to the definition of genocide under the Genocide Convention. "What we are witnessing fits within that legal definition." New MEE newsletter: Jerusalem Dispatch Sign up to get the latest insights and analysis on Israel-Palestine, alongside Turkey Unpacked and other MEE newsletters O'Brien's view carries considerable scholarly authority and reflects the mounting recognition of Israel's war on Gaza as a genocide. She presides over an association of over 700 scholars of genocide, and is the author of From Discrimination to Death: Genocide Process Through a Human Rights Lens. Her case studies include the Armenian genocide, the Holocaust, the Cambodian genocide, the Srebrenica genocide, and the Rohingya genocide. O'Brien, who is also an associate professor of international law at the University of Western Australia Law School, is one of a growing group of intellectuals and public figures who, in recent months, have declared Israel's war on Gaza to be unequivocally a genocide, despite the hesitancy of western governments to use the term. British officials, including Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy, have consistently refused to use the word genocide, saying such a determination should be made by a competent court. The Irish and Spanish governments have been the only western governments so far to call out Israel's actions as genocidal. Former EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell has also recently made the argument that Israel is committing genocide, as has the UN's former aid chief Martin Griffiths. According to O'Brien, "Genocide either has occurred or hasn't - labels don't change the facts." In her view, genocide is not only determined by a court ruling. Other actors can make informed assessments, such as scholars, legal experts, politicians and civil society. "Scholars like myself apply legal definitions to the facts. Politicians play a crucial role in recognition, which historically has been important for mobilising international action." A woman holds the body of a Palestinian child who was killed in Israeli strikes, as mourners gather during the funeral at Al-Shifa hospital, in Gaza City, on 4 June 2025 (Reuters) Leading human rights organisations have reached the conclusion that Israel is committing genocide. In December 2024, Amnesty International became the first major organisation to conclude that Israel had committed genocide during its war on Gaza, while Human Rights Watch concluded that "genocidal acts" had been committed. Francesca Albanese, a lawyer and the UN's special rapporteur on Palestine, authored two reports last year suggesting that genocide was taking place in Gaza. Israel's onslaught on Gaza has so far killed over 54,000 Palestinians, the majority of them women and children. Most of the enclave has been destroyed and almost all the population forcibly displaced several times over the past 20 months of conflict. Israel's siege has brought most of of Gaza's 2.1 million civilians to the brink of famine, with a total blockage imposed between 2 March and 22 May and only limited amounts of aid allowed since the blockade has eased. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) is currently hearing a case brought by South Africa in December 2023, accusing Israel of genocide. A ruling by the ICJ, which is the UN's highest court, is expected to take several years. Scholars and historians of the Holocaust have also labelled the Gaza conflict as a genocide, some as early as October 2023. 'The crime of crimes' The legal framework for the definition and interpretation of the crime of genocide is derived from the 1948 Genocide Convention, as well as the international criminal law jurisprudence that followed, particularly cases before the ICJ and the ad hoc tribunals for Rwanda (ICTR) and the former Yugoslavia (ICTY). It is one of three core international crimes, along with war crimes and crimes against humanity. But genocide is widely recognised as "the crime of all crimes". In Article II, the convention states that "genocide means any of the following acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial or religious group". That might include: Killing members of the group Causing serious bodily or mental harm to members of the group Deliberately inflicting on the group conditions of life calculated to bring about its physical destruction in whole or in part Imposing measures intended to prevent births within the group Forcibly transferring children of the group to another group Proving a special intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group is what distinguishes genocide from other international crimes. This part of the legal analysis of genocide is often the most difficult. But according to O'Brien, genocidal intent can be derived from verbal statements by Israeli political or military leaders as well as many other variables. "Since early October 2023, Israeli leaders have made statements about destroying Gaza and starving its population - clear expressions of intent," O'Brien said. 'Importantly, even if self-defence is invoked, that does not justify genocide' - Professor Melanie O'Brien "We also see intent through patterns of conduct, including indiscriminate bombings, mass casualties, the destruction of healthcare and essential infrastructure, and the denial of humanitarian aid, all of which can fall under crimes listed under the Genocide Convention," she told MEE. "The deliberate denial of water, food, medicine, shelter, and healthcare – all essential for life – points to genocidal intent. People are dying not only from bombings but also from starvation, malnutrition and untreated illnesses, particularly in overcrowded areas where disease spreads rapidly." The Convention focuses on prevention, not just the prohibition of the crime of genocide, hence the importance of early warnings that the atrocity might be unfolding. "Genocide is a process, not a single event," said O'Brien. Girls react during the funeral of Palestinians killed in Israeli strikes, at Nasser hospital in Khan Younis, the southern Gaza Strip, 2 June 2025 (Reuters) "We examine patterns over months or even years. In the case of Gaza, we're not only talking about the recent 18 months, but also the long history preceding the October 7 attacks – years of persecution, discrimination, apartheid, and conflict." Israel rejects accusations of genocide, and justifies its military operation in Gaza saying it has a right to self-defence. The Israeli army also claims it is abiding by international humanitarian law (IHL), or the law governing armed conflicts. O'Brien says that Israel is in grave breach of international humanitarian law, and that its response to the deadly Hamas-led attacks of 7 October 2023 has been disproportionate. "While Israel argues self-defence and military necessity, IHL requires that military attacks target only military objectives, be necessary, and be proportionate," she explained. "Indiscriminate bombing, the targeting of refugee camps, hospitals and journalists – many of whom are protected under IHL – are serious violations. Israel's military response has been disproportionate to the October 7 attack, with over 18 months of bombing resulting in mass civilian casualties. "Importantly, even if self-defence is invoked, that does not justify genocide," she said. "There is no legal defence for genocide under international law."
Middle East Eye
19-04-2025
- Politics
- Middle East Eye
Why Gaza genocide is strongest case before ICJ William Schabas
What can more than 100 years of the international justice system tell us about its present and future? In this episode of Expert Witness, Professor William Schabas, world leading scholar of international criminal law and genocide, reflects on his decades of experience as an academic lawyer and genocide expert, and the challenges facing international law after Israel's war on Gaza in 2023. Schabas is the former president of the International Association of Genocide Scholars and the author of more than 20 books on genocide, the International Criminal Court, and international human rights law. Middle East Eye delivers independent and unrivalled coverage and analysis of the Middle East, North Africa and beyond. To learn more about republishing this content and the associated fees, please fill out this form . More about MEE can be found here .
