NEW INTERACTIVE: INTENT – THE ROAD TO GENOCIDE
Interactive visual by Visualizing Palestine in collaboration with Law for Palestine.
Marking 76 years since the adoption of the Genocide Convention, Law for Palestine in collaboration with Visualizing Palestine has released Intent: The Road to Genocide, an interactive visual that sheds light on the ongoing Israeli-led genocide against the Palestinian people. This release comes at a critical time as the international community grapples with its failure to uphold the Convention’s mandate to prevent such atrocities.
Seventy-six years ago, the world vowed to ensure that “never again” would the crime of genocide devastate humanity. Yet, in stark contrast to this commitment, the Palestinian people have endured over a year of intensifying atrocities in Gaza -a continuation of the Nakba. Compounding this tragedy, some states are actively complicit, supplying weapons to Israel and shielding it from accountability under international law.
Genocide is defined by two core elements: intent to destroy a group, in whole or in part, and the commission of acts that fulfill this intent. Explicit statements from Israeli leaders, combined with military actions targeting Palestinian civilians, provide the foundation for this interactive visual.
Intent: The Road to Genocide explores the alignment between incendiary rhetoric and military conduct in Gaza, presenting its findings through four thematic chapters: civilian harm, starvation, destruction of infrastructure, and forced displacement. The tool aims to offer a comprehensive and accessible narrative for global audiences, shedding light on the patterns of genocide.
This project is a continuation of the collaboration between Visualizing Palestine and Law for Palestine, which previously developed a portal documenting statements of genocidal incitement against Palestinians. Special acknowledgment is extended to Nate Wright for co-writing and developing this initiative and Hadeel Saalok for the powerful illustrations.
The findings are supported by reports from respected authorities:
– The UN Special Rapporteur on the Palestinian Territory Occupied since 1967 has twice documented Israel’s genocide against Palestinians in detailed reports issued in March and October 2024.
– A UN Special Committee has confirmed that Israel’s warfare in Gaza exhibits characteristics consistent with genocide.
– Amnesty International, in a recent report, cited Law for Palestine’s intent database, concluding that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
These reports echo the urgent need to hold Israel accountable and prevent further atrocities.
Through this collaboration, Visualizing Palestine and Law for Palestine aim to amplify global awareness and drive action to end impunity. The interactive visual stands as a call to the international community to uphold its moral and legal obligations under the Genocide Convention.
