Ultimately, the legal definition of genocide involves an intent to destroy a group in whole or part. It does not define 'destroy' and it does not limit that action to physically killing those members.
The clear intent of Israel's government, shared by much of the opposition is to prevent the creation of any Palestinian state. There is also a clear desire by many to encourage or force the emigration of the Palestinian population. Rendering Gaza uninhabitable is a means to that end.
The ICC has not brought a charge of extermination as it can not prove the intent to destroy beyond a reasonable doubt. Nor has the ICJ yet ruled on the matter.
Genocide is an emotive word, especially for Israel, founded after a clear act of genocide.
Also, if Gaza is genocide, then we have to conclude that the framers of the Convention are hypocrites on a grand scale.
For we committed acts of genocide against Germany in 1945 and 1946 on this definition. Namely the expulsion of Germans east of the Oder-Neisse line.
Anyway, it is time for serious sanctions.
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