Israel has been accused of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity by deliberately causing the mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, according to a report by Human Rights Watch (HRW). The report highlights severe humanitarian issues arising from Israeli military actions and raises concerns about the long-term impact on Gaza’s population.
HRW’s findings are based on extensive evidence, including interviews with displaced individuals, satellite imagery, and documentation of destruction. The organization claims that the forced displacement of nearly 1.9 million people, constituting 90% of Gaza’s population, represents “forcible transfer.” Furthermore, HRW alleges that these actions align with what it describes as “ethnic cleansing.”
The report emphasizes that about 79% of Gaza’s territory is currently under evacuation orders issued by Israeli authorities, leaving countless residents homeless and reliant on dwindling resources. HRW asserts that these measures appear systematic and are part of a broader state policy. “The destruction is so substantial that it indicates the intention to permanently displace many people,” the report warns.
The Israeli government has dismissed the allegations, describing the report as “completely false and detached from reality.” Oren Marmorstein, a spokesperson for Israel’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reiterated the government’s stance, stating, “Israel’s efforts are directed solely at dismantling Hamas’s terror capabilities and not at the people of Gaza.” He further emphasized that Israel operates in accordance with the law of armed conflict.
HRW also directed criticism toward Hamas, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields by conducting operations from within residential areas and civilian infrastructure.
The Impact of the Ground Offensive
The report comes amidst an intensifying ground offensive by Israeli forces in northern Gaza, which has displaced an additional 130,000 people over the past five weeks. According to the UN, 75,000 people remain under siege in areas such as Jabalia, Beit Lahia, and Beit Hanoun. These regions face critical shortages of water, food, and other essential supplies, with the Israeli military justifying the measures as necessary to prevent a resurgence of Hamas.
The international laws of war prohibit the forced displacement of civilians in occupied territories unless it is imperative for their security or a pressing military reason. Displacement is only lawful if affected individuals are moved safely, provided with adequate shelter and supplies, and allowed to return to their homes once hostilities subside.
However, HRW argues that Israel’s actions fail to meet these criteria. The report highlights the absence of a compelling military justification for the mass displacement and criticizes the inconsistent and poorly communicated evacuation orders issued to Gaza’s residents. HRW states, “Israeli evacuation orders have been inconsistent, inaccurate, and frequently not communicated to civilians with enough time.” It also notes that these orders often overlooked the needs of vulnerable groups, such as individuals with disabilities.
Adding to the concerns, HRW alleges that Israeli forces have targeted designated evacuation routes and safe zones, further endangering civilians. The report accuses Israeli authorities of severely restricting the entry of humanitarian aid, water, electricity, and fuel, exacerbating the suffering of Gaza’s residents.
Infrastructure Destruction and Long-Term Impact
Another key finding in HRW’s report is the deliberate targeting of civilian infrastructure. The organization accuses Israel’s military of intentionally demolishing homes and vital facilities, such as hospitals and bakeries, to create extended buffer zones and corridors within Gaza. HRW claims these actions are aimed at permanently displacing populations from these areas.
“The organized, violent displacement of Palestinians in Gaza, who are members of another ethnic group, is likely planned to be permanent in the buffer zones and security corridors,” the report alleges, adding that this amounts to ethnic cleansing.
Statements from some Israeli government officials have further fueled concerns about the future of Gaza’s territory. HRW points to comments suggesting plans to reduce Gaza’s land area and allocate it to Israeli settlers.
In response to the allegations, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) issued a statement rejecting the report’s conclusions. “The report both selectively presents information in a manner that obscures context, as well as makes certain blatant misrepresentations,” the IDF stated. It emphasized that its warnings to civilians to evacuate areas of active conflict are in line with international legal obligations to minimize harm to non-combatants.
“The IDF only operates in areas where there is a known military presence,” the statement added. Israeli authorities have also denied plans to establish permanent buffer zones, with Foreign Minister Gideon Saar recently affirming that displaced residents would be allowed to return home after the war.
Broader Accusations and International Reactions
The UN General Assembly’s special committee also weighed in on the situation, releasing a report on Thursday that characterized Israel’s military tactics in Gaza as “consistent with the characteristics of genocide.” The report highlighted the high civilian death toll and the dire living conditions imposed on Palestinians.
Israel has strongly denied these allegations, with officials labeling the genocide accusations as baseless. US State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel supported this view, stating during a press briefing, “We think that that kind of phrasing and those kinds of accusations are certainly unfounded.”
The current conflict was triggered by Hamas’s unprecedented attack on southern Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and the taking of 251 hostages. In response, Israel launched a large-scale campaign aimed at dismantling Hamas’s military infrastructure. According to Gaza’s Hamas-run health ministry, more than 43,700 people have been killed in the territory since the escalation began.
Legal and Humanitarian Concerns
The HRW report underscores the significant challenges facing civilians in Gaza and raises important questions about the legality of Israel’s military operations. It highlights the immense scale of displacement, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and the obstacles faced by humanitarian aid efforts.
Under international law, warring parties are obligated to protect civilians and ensure access to basic necessities. The forced displacement of Gaza’s population, coupled with the destruction of essential facilities and the severe restriction of aid, paints a bleak picture of the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the region.
HRW’s accusations against both Israel and Hamas underscore the complexity of the conflict. While Israel defends its actions as necessary to combat terrorism, HRW and other human rights organizations urge accountability for the widespread suffering of civilians.
As the war continues, international pressure is mounting on all parties to adhere to humanitarian principles and seek a resolution that prioritizes the well-being of Gaza’s population. However, with no end to the conflict in sight, the people of Gaza remain caught in a cycle of violence and displacement that shows little sign of abating.
