UN investigator Pillay: Accountability for Gaza genocide is possible
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The top UN investigator believes that with sufficient public pressure, Israeli leaders could one day face trials for genocide.
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Chair of the Independent International Commission of Inquiry on the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including the eastern part of occupied al-Quds, and "Israel," South African judge Navi Pillay, speaks during a press conference in Geneva on September 16, 2025. (Photo by Fabrice Coffrini / AFP)
Navi Pillay, the South African jurist leading the UN Commission of Inquiry (COI) on Palestine, has voiced confidence that Israeli leaders could one day face prosecution for committing genocide in Gaza. Drawing on her experience presiding over the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda, Pillay said she sees clear parallels between the two cases.
Justice, she admitted, is a long process. But she recalled Nelson Mandela’s words: "It always seems impossible until it’s done." Speaking to AFP, Pillay stressed, "I do not consider it impossible that there will be arrests and trials in the future."
The independent COI, which does not formally speak on behalf of the United Nations, issued a report this week declaring that "genocide is occurring in Gaza." The findings accused Israeli President Isaac Herzog, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and former Security Minister Yoav Gallant of inciting genocide.
"Israel" categorically rejected the report, labeling it "distorted and false."
Parallels with Rwanda
Pillay emphasized the similarities to Rwanda’s 1994 genocide, when around 800,000 people, mainly ethnic Tutsis and moderate Hutus, were killed. As head of the Rwanda tribunal, she said watching footage of civilians tortured and murdered marked her "for life."
"I see similarities to what is happening in Gaza," Pillay explained, pointing to "the same kind of methods."
While Tutsis were the target in Rwanda, she noted that Palestinians are now being collectively targeted in Gaza. She cited Israeli officials' statements describing Palestinians as "animals," comparing this rhetoric to the Rwandan demonization of Tutsis as "cockroaches."
"In both cases, the target population is dehumanized," she said, "sending a signal that it is acceptable to kill them."
ICC arrest warrants
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant over suspected war crimes. Pillay acknowledged that accountability will not be easy, pointing out that the ICC "does not have its own sheriff or police force to do the arrests."
However, she underlined that public demand for justice can trigger dramatic change, recalling that even she never believed apartheid would end during her lifetime.
Long career in justice
Pillay’s career spans decades of difficult human rights cases. From defending political prisoners in apartheid South Africa to serving as a judge at the Rwanda tribunal and later as UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, she has consistently taken on controversial roles.
At 83, she has chaired the COI on Palestine since its creation four years ago. The commission has faced constant accusations of bias, antisemitism, and campaigns calling for sanctions against its members.
Pillay, however, insists the most difficult part of her work is reviewing graphic evidence from Gaza, including footage of sexual violence and abuse by the military. "Watching those videos is traumatic. It is so painful," she admitted.
The COI plans to compile a list of individuals suspected of committing crimes in Gaza and to examine the possible complicity of countries supporting "Israel". This work will continue under new leadership, as Pillay steps down in November due to age and health reasons.
Before her departure, she intends to present the Gaza genocide report to the UN General Assembly in New York. "I already have my visa," she said, noting there has been no sign it will be revoked.
