From October 7 to Gaza: The French battle over the word that is stirring the world

An article in 'Le Point' argues that the term 'genocide' is being politicized and used as a label in propaganda battles against Israel. The French debate over the use of the term has intensified since October 7, with researchers claiming that Hamas's actions bear characteristics of a genocidal process, while human rights organizations argue that Israel's actions in Gaza also meet the definition.

A sharp article in the French journal 'Le Point' takes aim at the growing use of the term 'genocide' against Israel, arguing that the legal concept is being politicized and blurs the line between criticism of war and accusations of genocide. The article, titled 'Perpetrators of Genocide and Victims of Genocide: A Short History of Whitewashing Ideas,' is part of a broader debate in France over the use of the term. The debate took on a new dimension after the October 7 attack, when researchers argued that Hamas's actions may bear characteristics of a genocidal process. French historian Vincent Duclerc said in October 2023 that one could speak of such a process given Hamas's declared intention to destroy the State of Israel. Conversely, since the war in Gaza, human rights organizations like Amnesty International determined in December 2024 that Israel is committing genocide, and Israeli researchers including Amos Goldberg and Omer Bartov reached a similar conclusion. Israel firmly rejects the claims. The article situates the controversy within a broader struggle over political language in Europe, and how words with historical and legal weight move from research to social networks and protests.