Jerusalem, 8 October, 2026 (TPS-IL) — Retired U.S. military leaders and legal experts have issued an open letter on Wednesday rejecting allegations that Israel committed genocide in Gaza.
Marking the third anniversary of Hamas’s October 7, 2023 attack, the signatories argue that genocide requires intent to destroy a protected group and say available evidence instead shows Israel pursuing military operations against Hamas while seeking to limit civilian harm.
The letter disputes Gaza casualty figures, noting they do not distinguish civilians from combatants, and argues that civilian deaths in warfare alone do not prove genocidal intent. It cites IDF warnings, evacuation routes, tactical pauses, target reviews, and cancelled strikes as evidence of precautions. It also highlights food, medical supplies, water, vaccinations, and medical evacuations provided to Gazans.
The authors, close to 100 retired, high-ranking U.S. military men and women, condemn the inflammatory political rhetoric against the IDF.
