Former UN chief's labelling of Gaza war as 'genocide' marks extraordinary shift

In a stark and direct intervention, Martin Griffiths, the former UN humanitarian chief, has described the situation in Gaza as genocide.

The statement, made during an interview I conducted with Griffiths on The World, marks one of the most pointed accusations yet from a figure known to be deeply embedded in the world of international politics and diplomacy. "I think now we've got to the point this is unequivocal.

Of course it is genocide. Just as it is weaponising aid.

"We don't need to look behind ourselves to see that's the case. That should encourage us even more because we, of course, all doubted whether it would come to that level of definition.

"We all doubted whether famine is actually there. I think starvation is killing people.

That's bad enough. We don't have to worry about famine, which is obviously there lurking in the shadows.

"Also, genocide… of course that's what has happened. We only need to look at the statements made.

Prime Minister Netanyahu has the virtue of being very clear about his objectives." His choice of words is extraordinary - not just for its gravity, but because it's Griffiths who is saying it. A veteran diplomat with decades of experience navigating complex international crises, Griffiths is known for his calm and thoughtful demeanour - not for inflammatory language.

For him to use the term "genocide" in a television interview signals a significant shift in how some within the international system are now interpreting events on the ground in Gaza - 20 months since Israel launched its war. Read more:How Gaza's new aid rollout system collapsed into chaosIsrael's illegal settlements - and those fighting back The timing is also noteworthy.

Just weeks earlier, Tom Fletcher, another respected former British ambassador and current UN humanitarian chief, came close to using the phrase during a UN Security Council session. ???? Click here to listen to The World With Richard Engel And Yalda Hakim wherever you get your podcasts ???? He said: "What more evidence do you need now? Will you act decisively to prevent genocide and to ensure respect for international humanitarian law? Or will you say instead: 'we did all we could?'" Whilst he stopped short, his tone showed a clear change in how leading international figures now view the direction of Israeli military operations in Gaza; staggering civilian deaths, and the statements made by Israeli officials prosecuting this war.

Griffiths' remarks now go a step further. It comes as the British government continues to grapple with public anger over the mounting civilian toll - and faces growing scrutiny over its continued arms exports to Israel.

This latest statement by Griffiths doesn't just reflect humanitarian concern. As a former ambassador, he knows the weight his words carry.

And with the humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsening, his warning challenges Israel's allies to ask deeply uncomfortable questions. Lawyers representing Israel against accusations brought by South Africa to the International Court of Justice last year - accusing its actions in Gaza of amounting to genocide - called the claims "unfounded.