Wikipedia English editors after months of debates have voted on changing the title of the “Allegations of genocide in the 2023 Israeli attack on Gaza” to “Gaza genocide.”” entry to “Gaza genocide” after most arguing, citing several experts, the threshold had met.
The recent controversy regarding the term “genocide” in connection with Israel’s actions in Gaza has been a major point of contention among Wikipedia editors. After months of intense debate, Wikipedia’s English editors voted to rename the article titled “Allegations of genocide in the 2023 Israeli attack on Gaza” to simply “Gaza genocide.” This change reflects a position that sees the events as more than just allegations, despite significant opposition to this viewpoint.
Supporters of the title change argue that there is a growing consensus among scholars, human rights experts, and international observers that Israel’s actions in Gaza meet the legal and academic definitions of genocide. They point to statements by Israeli officials, casualty figures from Gaza’s Health Ministry, and reports from various international organizations as evidence supporting this view.
However, critics of the decision argue that it violates Wikipedia’s commitment to neutrality, emphasizing that there is still considerable debate over whether the term “genocide” is appropriate in this context. These editors believe the title should include the word “allegations” to reflect this ongoing dispute, and they accuse Wikipedia of bias by omitting it. They also question the reliability of some sources cited in the article, particularly those linked to anti-Israel perspectives.
The decision has sparked significant backlash, particularly from pro-Israel groups and individuals, who see it as part of a broader trend of bias against Israel on the platform.
The article generally refrains from a conclusionary tone and acknowledges the arguments it cites as accusations. However the sidebar which lists the key facts says:
Attack type: Genocide, collective punishment, mass murder, ethnic cleansing, forced displacement, bombardment, targeted killings, starvation as method of war, torture, others
It further notes as the motive:
- Retaliation and revenge for the 7 October attacks
- Zionism
- Anti-Palestinianism, Anti-Arab racism, and Islamophobia
- Settler colonialism
The “facts list” goes on to list under “accused”:
- Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli war cabinet and government
- Israel Defense Forces, under the leadership of Yoav Gallant
- Israel Ministry of National Security, under the leadership of Itamar Ben-Gvir
as well as a list of those it says are “complicit”:
- United States, under the Biden administration
- United Kingdom, under the Sunak ministry
- Germany, under the Scholz cabinet
- Australia, under the Albanese government
- Romania, under the Ciolacu cabinet
Israel is facing genocide charge at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) brought up by South Africa. Juristically it can take years to decide whether Israel’s actions in Gaza constituted genocide. That hasn’t stopped experts from sounding the alarm and many newsrooms such as Qatar-funded Al Jazeera have made editorial decisions to refer to these events as genocide.
Israel disputes the accusations of genocide and maintains its action in Gaza are in line with the international law.
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