The Economist explains

How the term “genocide” is misused in the Israel-Hamas war

South Africa accuses Israel of committing the heinous crime

A placard with a description of genocide is seen next to pictures of children killed in Gaza placed by protesters.
Image: Getty Images

Editor’s note (January 9th 2024): This article has been updated since publication.

Explore more

From the November 18th 2023 edition

Discover stories from this section and more in the list of contents

Explore the edition

More from The Economist explains

FILE - A cargo ship traverses the Agua Clara Locks of the Panama Canal in Colon, Panama, Sept. 2, 2024. (AP Photo/Matias

What would Donald Trump gain from seizing the Panama Canal?

The president-elect claims the crossing is controlled by China and rips off American consumers

 English: Portrait of Santa Claus, by Thomas Nast, Published in Harper's Weekly, 1881

Where does Santa come from?

How a miracle-working Greek bishop, Dutch folk figure and early New York icon became the ubiquitous symbol of Christmas


 Islamist-led Syrian rebel fighters shoot in the air in the early hours of December 8, 2024, after taking over the central city of Homs overnight.

Who are the main rebel groups in Syria?

They were united against the country’s dictator. Now they have little in common


Is RFK junior right to say America allows more toxins than the EU?

He is, but things are slowly beginning to change

What would it cost to kill coal?

The price of shutting down coal power, and what would be gained

Should America ban fluoride in its drinking water?

The idea by Robert F. Kennedy junior—nominated by Donald Trump as health secretary—may have teeth