A pair of leading Israeli human rights groups has accused Israel of “committing genocide against Palestinians in Gaza,” becoming the first such organizations to make the claim.

Israel says it is fighting against Hamas, not Palestinians as a group. But two of Israel’s best-known rights groups — long critical of Israeli policy — now say they disagree.

The two groups said they found deliberate intent by Israeli decision-makers to target the whole population of Gaza and destroy life for the Palestinian people.

Government ministers from more than 100 countries on Monday gathered at the United Nations to consider a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict.

Dozens of ministers will gather at the United Nations on Monday for a delayed conference, but the U.S. and Israel are boycotting the event.

By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) -Dozens of ministers will gather at the United Nations on Monday for a delayed conference to work toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians,