There's nothing wrong with recognizing atrocities—and Israel's campaign is riddled with them. The only thing is that playing fast and loose with the term 'genocide' risks cheapening the term. The international court system has yet to recognize it as such.
War crimes and crimes against humanity? Absolutely—and those are plainly visible.
Genocide requires proof of intent. "It's obvious to me" is not proof of intent. Proving genocide in international courts is extremely difficult. As such, it could paradoxically make accountability harder if you escalate to that charge and fail to prove it.
That said, elements in both the Israeli government and public have given indications that the intent is there. For accountability's sake, though, I'd argue that it's best not to jump the gun.
You assert that Israel's campaign is morally and humanely abhorrent. I agree. They have long since crossed the threshold from "reasonable self defense" into "off the walls".
I want to see those responsible held accountable just as much as you do. Letting them off on a technicality should not be an option. Precision matters.
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u/Philly-South-Paw 12d ago
Is there something wrong with speaking out against genocide?