BASSEM YOUSSEF ARGUES FOR USING 'GENOCIDE' RE: GAZA

When a France 24 presenter recently asked Egyptian comedian Bassem Youssef (@byoussef) why he uses the word 'genocide' to describe Israel's attacks for the last almost six months against Palestinian civilians, Youssef shot back rather sharply.

The Egyptian said Israel's claim that it seeks to eradicate militant group H*m*s distracts from its bombardment and siege, which has killed more than 33,000 Palestinians, mostly women and children. Youssef added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's policies created H*m*s.

On 26 January, the International Court of Justice issued a provisional ruling that stated South Africa's charge that Israel is committing genocide is 'plausible.' The court further required Israel to take steps to prevent genocidal acts. However, reports show Israel's bombardment and siege have killed an additional 7,000 Palestinians since that ruling. Plus, although the UN Security Council passed a 25 March resolution calling for a ceasefire, Israel's military in this week alone killed people at the al-Shifa Hospital, on a World Central Kitchen food-aid convoy and at the Iranian consulate in Syria.

Do you use the word 'genocide' to describe what is going on in the Gaza Strip? Let us know in the comments.