# Israel disputes Gaza genocide allegations > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/israel-disputes-gaza-genocide-allegations > Updated: 2026-09-02T07:53:44.000Z. Sources: 3. Developments: 2. Israel has consistently disputed allegations of genocide in Gaza, citing various demographic and humanitarian arguments. Initial challenges to these accusations relied on data from Hamas-led institutions. These statistics indicated that despite approximately 74,000 deaths in a population of 2 million, there were roughly 121,000 births, resulting in a net population increase of nearly 50,000. Proponents of this data argued that this increase contradicts the definition of genocide. Additionally, reports noted that Israel facilitated polio vaccinations for approximately 600,000 children and disputed claims of intentional famine. Following these arguments, Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg dismissed the genocide allegations during a visit to Sarajevo, describing the classification as ‘a little ridiculous.’ Peleg attributed responsibility for civilian casualties to Hamas and contested United Nations findings regarding food shortages in the Gaza Strip, urging that the death toll be viewed separately from propaganda. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-02: Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg disputes Gaza genocide claims Israeli Ambassador Galit Peleg dismissed genocide allegations in Gaza during a Sarajevo interview, citing Hamas's responsibility and contesting UN findings on food shortages. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/israeli-ambassador-galit-peleg-disputes-gaza-genocide-claims ### 2026-08-13: Israel disputes Gaza genocide claims using local population data Data from Hamas-led institutions in Gaza is being used to dispute allegations of genocide against Israel, citing a net population increase and the facilitation of polio vaccinations for children. 2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/israel-disputes-gaza-genocide-allegations-using-demographic-data --- Cite as: Israel disputes Gaza genocide allegations. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/israel-disputes-gaza-genocide-allegations