HRW Report: Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in Gaza Amounts to War Crimes
Human Rights Watch (HRW) issued a report on Thursday accusing Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity for the forced displacement of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. The organization stated that Israeli actions have led to “widespread and systematic” displacement, which HRW claims is part of a state policy that violates international law.
“Human Rights Watch found that forced displacement has been widespread, and the evidence shows it has been systematic and part of a state policy. Such acts also constitute crimes against humanity,” the report noted. Israeli authorities have not immediately responded to the report, but have previously denied similar accusations, asserting that Israeli forces comply with international law.
The forced displacement of civilians from occupied territories is forbidden under the law of armed conflict, except when required for their own safety or military necessity. According to Gaza health officials, the Israeli military campaign has resulted in over 43,500 deaths and widespread destruction of infrastructure, forcing many of the 2.3 million residents to relocate multiple times.
Israel launched a ground invasion of Gaza last year following an attack by Hamas-led gunmen that left around 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 people taken hostage. In recent weeks, Israeli forces have evacuated tens of thousands of Palestinians from northern Gaza towns, including Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, and Beit Hanoun, as part of their stated aim to dismantle Hamas forces.
HRW contends that the displacement appears intended to be permanent, particularly in buffer zones and security corridors—a situation the organization claims amounts to “ethnic cleansing.” Israel has denied plans for permanent buffer zones, with Foreign Minister Gideon Sa’ar affirming this week that Palestinians would be allowed to return to their homes in northern Gaza once the conflict ends.
