The Oxford Union, one of the world's most prestigious student debating societies, has passed a motion declaring "Israel" an apartheid "state" responsible for genocide against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip.

The debate, held on Thursday, concluded with an overwhelming majority of 278 votes in favor and 59 against, marking a significant moment in the global discourse on "Israel's" actions.

A heated debate 

The motion, titled "This house believes Israel is an apartheid state responsible for genocide," drew arguments from both sides. Speakers in favor of the motion included notable figures such as Miko Peled, an Israeli-American activist and author; Mohammed El-Kurd, a Palestinian poet; and Susan Abulhawa, a prominent writer. Oxford Union President Ebrahim Osman-Mowafy also spoke in support, standing in for prominent academic Norman Finkelstein, who could not attend.

Osman-Mowafy's address was particularly powerful, recounting the tragic death of 19-year-old Shaban al-Daloum, who was burnt alive in an Israeli airstrike on a Gaza hospital. He described the ongoing atrocities as part of an Israeli-perpetrated "holocaust" against Gazans.

The opposition included pro-Israeli voices such as Yoseph Haddad, whose heated rhetoric led to his removal from the chamber after calling the audience "terrorist supporters."

Read more: UK charity campaigns to prosecute British nationals serving in IOF

Humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza

The debate comes as "Israel" continues its devastating genocidal campaign in Gaza. To date, the assault has killed at least 44,363 Palestinians, predominantly women and children, and injured over 105,070.

Thousands remain missing, presumed buried under rubble, as nearly the entire population of Gaza has been forced from their homes. The destruction of critical infrastructure, hospitals, and homes has compounded the humanitarian crisis, while allegations of war crimes—such as deliberate starvation of civilians and indiscriminate targeting—mount against the Israeli regime.

The Oxford Union debate coincides with increasing legal scrutiny of "Israel's" actions. Earlier this week, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant on charges of genocide.

Susan Akram, director of the International Human Rights Clinic at Boston University School of Law, highlighted the crucial role of civil society in pressuring governments to enforce ICC rulings. "Public opinion and civil society have a huge role to play in holding Israel accountable," she said, emphasizing the importance of grassroots activism.