Israel is committing genocide in Gaza, according to a commission established by the United Nations.

The report claims "it is clear that there is an intent to destroy the Palestinians in Gaza " and says Israel's actions meet the criteria set down for defining a genocide.

It is the first time that such an explosive allegation has been made publicly by a UN body, and is likely to be greeted with fury by the Israeli government.

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Israel did not co-operate with the investigation and has long claimed that the commission is biased and not fit for purpose.

The accusation of genocide is made by the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

Image: Smoke rises from Gaza afte

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