H.Res 876 - Recognizing the genocide of the Palestinian people in Gaza
H.Res 876 was introduced on November 13, 2025 by Representative Rashida Tlaib. It is currently pending before the Committee on Foreign Affairs.
Related legislation:
Bill Summary: H.Res. 876 calls for the United States to officially recognize the actions of the State of Israel against the Palestinian people in Gaza as genocide. Citing the UN Genocide Convention and the United States’ role in its drafting, as well as conclusions from international bodies, human rights organizations, and genocide scholars, the resolution argues that Israel’s actions meet the legal definition of genocide. It presents extensive evidence of genocidal acts, including:
The killing of 67,160 Palestinians and wounding of 169,679, alongside the Israeli military’s own estimate that 83% of deaths resulting from its own operations have been civilians;
Targeted killings of doctors, children, aid workers, and journalists;
Systematic destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, health care, sanitation, housing, and water systems;
A blockade producing famine and starvation; and Statements by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, President Isaac Herzog, former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, current Defense Minister Israel Katz, National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir, and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich that constitute evidence of genocidal intent.
The resolution proposes that the United States: officially recognize the genocide; cease all arms transfers to Israel; impose targeted sanctions; cooperate fully with the International Criminal Court (ICC) and International Court of Justice (ICJ); use its voice and vote at the UN to advance accountability; and robustly fund UNRWA to provide humanitarian aid.
Context: The determination of genocide requires evidence of both prohibited acts and the specific intent to destroy a protected group, in whole or in part. The facts on the ground in Gaza overwhelmingly indicate that the legal threshold for genocide has been met. This reality presents a clear and urgent imperative for the United States to align its foreign policy with its binding legal obligations under both international and domestic law. Failure to act undermines the international rules-based order the U.S. purports to lead, and erodes American credibility.
American Values Analysis: Following his administration's failure to act in Rwanda, President Clinton challenged the nation "to build a world in which no branch of humanity, because of national, racial, ethnic, or religious origin, is again threatened with destruction because of those characteristics, of which people should rightly be proud. Let us work together as a community of civilized nations to strengthen our ability to prevent and, if necessary, to stop genocide." This resolution aligns with that challenge and the deeply held American value of "never again" that emerged after the Holocaust. As the world witnessed the horrors in Gaza unfold in real-time, the United States has an opportunity to honor this commitment. H.Res. 876 not only recognizes the genocide perpetrated by Israel and enabled by the U.S. but also seeks accountability based on foundational American principles of justice and human rights.
American Interest Analysis: This resolution serves core American interests by seeking accountability for the genocide in Gaza. Its passage would realign U.S. policy with that of key global partners, strengthening diplomatic alliances and restoring American credibility on the world stage. By calling on the President to act in accordance with American and international law – by sanctioning perpetrators, stopping arms shipments, ensuring accountability through international bodies, and restoring funding to UNRWA to aid survivors – the resolution reinforces the rules-based international order that is critical to U.S. security and prosperity. It is in the direct interest of the United States to lead on issues of international law and human rights, rather than be perceived as undermining them.
A New Policy’s Recommendation: SUPPORT
A New Policy supports H.Res. 876 because it aligns U.S. policy in Palestine with American interests and values. The resolution not only recognizes that Israel has committed genocide but also sets forth concrete, lawful steps for accountability. Continuing policies that appear to facilitate atrocity crimes would carry profound long-term consequences for U.S. leadership and credibility. H.Res. 876 is a necessary step toward reasserting principled American leadership.
For more information please contact: Josh Paul, info@anewpolicy.org, (202) 770-0055
