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Israeli author David Grossman described his country’s campaign in Gaza as “genocide,” expressing that he feels it with a “heavy heart.” This statement follows efforts by a prominent Israeli human rights organization to use the same term amid increasing international concern about starvation and humanitarian crises in the besieged territory.
In an interview published Friday by the Italian newspaper La Repubblica, Grossman explained, “For many years, I hesitated to use the word ‘genocide’… but now, after seeing certain images and speaking with those who experienced it, I cannot help but use it.” He added that he feels this designation “with profound pain and a broken heart.”
He likened the impact of using the word to an avalanche—once spoken, it continues to grow, bringing further destruction and suffering. Grossman, whose literary works have been translated into dozens of languages and have earned multiple international awards, including Israel’s prestigious 2018 Literature Prize, reflected on the emotional toll of describing such a tragic scenario. He expressed that it’s “devastating” to connect “Israel” with “famine,” especially considering the country’s history during the Holocaust and its claims of sensitivity toward human suffering.
A long-standing critic of the Israeli government, Grossman’s comments highlight a stark divergence from official narratives and underscore the depth of concern among intellectuals and human rights advocates regarding recent events.
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