The World's Test with Genocide

The World's Test with Genocide
Written By Vedat KAHYALAR Genocide is an acption that aims to deliberately and systematically destroy a specific national, ethnic, racial or religious group. The term was first coined in 1944 by Raphael Lemkin, a Polish-Jewish jurist. The word "genocide" is derived from the combination of the Greek words "genos" (race, species) and the Latin words "cide" (to slaughter).   Elements of Genocide and Legal Definition;   In order for an action to be defined as genocide, it must have certain elements. According to the "Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide" adopted by the United Nations (UN) General Assembly in 1948, genocide must include one or more of the following acts:     Killing Group Members: The deliberate killing of members of a specific group.   Causing Serious Physical or Mental Harm to Group Members: Physically or mentally harming, torturing, group members.   Destroying the Living Conditions of the Group: Imposing living conditions that will make it impossible for the group to survive.     Preventing Births: Taking measures to prevent the reproduction of the group.     Forcibly Transferring Children to Another Group: Forcibly transferring children belonging to the group to another group.     If these elements are committed with the aim of partially or completely destroying a specific group, this act is considered genocide. The crime of genocide is considered one of the most serious crimes in international law and international criminal courts are envisaged for its perpetrators to be tried.     In history Examples of Genocide   There have been many cases of genocide in history. The most well-known of these are the Holocaust (the genocide committed against the Jews by Nazi Germany during World War II), the Rwandan Genocide (the genocide committed against the Tutsi by the Hutu government in 1994), and the one implemented by Israel against the Palestinians since October 2023.     These events are among the darkest pages of history and are great tragedies for humanity.     Prevention and Punishment of Genocide   The international community has taken various measures to prevent genocide and punish the perpetrators. Among these, the UN's Genocide Convention and the establishment of the International Criminal Court are important steps. However, despite these measures, there are still communities in the world under the threat of genocide. Therefore, early diagnosis of genocide, international cooperation and effective interventions are of vital importance.      The genocide that Israel is carrying out today with the open support of the US and England is the most cruel and brutal genocide the world has ever seen. The saddest aspect of this genocide is that Western civilization, which claims democracy, human rights, freedoms, and freedom of law, and Islamic geographies, most of which are known for their un-Islamic dictatorships, are partners in this crime. Western and Eastern civilizations; some out of their own interests, some out of fear and shame, have become equal in the crime of genocide.   Is it a war or genocide that is taking place in Palestine?   The ongoing barbaric murders, destructions, rapes, kidnappings of men/children/women, starvation, destruction of treatment facilities and continuous bombing of drinking water and food routes continue.   - 3,486 massacres carried out by Israel in Gaza. - 39,897 deaths reported in hospitals.  (This number does not include those still buried under the rubble and not found.) -16,456 children were killed. -11,088 women were killed. -885 health workers were killed. -168 journalists were killed. -79 civil defense workers were killed. -92,152 people were injured. -17,000 children lost one or both parents. -5,347 civilians taken captive from the Gaza Strip during the genocide, their fates unknown. -2 million Palestinians were displaced. -110 scientists, university professors and researchers were killed by Israel. -610 mosques were completely destroyed by Israel. -3 churches were targeted and destroyed by Israel. -82,000 tons of explosives were used. -34 hospitals were completely disabled by Israel. -131 ambulances were targeted by Israel.  -206 archaeological and cultural heritages were looted, pillaged and destroyed.   Is this war? Is it genocide? You decide now.   In conclusion, genocide is one of the greatest crimes in human history and preventing this crime is a common responsibility of humanity. The lessons to be learned from past genocides should be a guide to prevent similar tragedies in the future.