UN Expresses Concern Over Rising Israeli Hate Speech Against Palestinians

The United Nations Committee on Racism expressed concern today, Friday, over the "sharp increase in racist hate speech and dehumanization" directed by Israelis, including high-ranking officials, towards Palestinians since the Hamas attacks on October 7. The Israeli diplomatic mission in Geneva criticized the statement, claiming it "betrays all victims of the October 7 massacre and victims of anti-Semitic attacks worldwide." Israel is intensifying operations targeting Islamic groups in the West Bank. An increasing number of reports have emerged since the conflict began regarding anti-Semitic incidents and Islamophobic incidents in places such as the United States and the United Kingdom. The committee, based in Geneva, stated it was "deeply concerned" about recent comments, including those made by senior Israeli officials, politicians, and public figures. The committee urged Israel to condemn hate speech, investigate such behaviors, and punish the perpetrators. The committee specifically referenced comments made by Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant, who referred to Palestinians as "human animals," stating that this language "could incite acts of genocide." Galant's remarks have already drawn condemnation from Palestinians and others. The committee also repeated a previous recommendation for the Palestinian authorities to combat hate speech and incitement to violence.