Israel's destruction of vital water, sanitation, and food systems has created a "lethal mix of crises," the report said.

A standing UN committee investigating human rights violations by Israel said in a report issued Thursday that Israeli actions in Gaza "are consistent with the characteristics of genocide."

The committee added that Israeli officials have publicly supported policies to destroy “vital water, sanitation and food systems” in Gaza as well as prevent access to fuel. Israel has previously rejected accusations of genocide in the Palestinian enclave.

While Francis has avoided using the word 'genocide' publicly, the comments appear in a new book for his jubilee year over which he had editorial control

A Special Committee of the United Nations Office of the High Commission on Human Rights has issued a new report on Israeli actions in Gaza concluding that they fit the profile of genocide. The report says,