A new Human Rights Watch (HRW) report accuses Israel of committing war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza due to the systematic mass displacement of Palestinians. This 154-page report, released on Thursday, highlights over a year of widespread destruction that has affected approximately 1.9 million Palestinians—about 90% of Gaza’s population.
The report describes the Israeli forces’ actions as including the deliberate destruction of homes and infrastructure in order to establish “buffer zones” and security “corridors,” areas from which Palestinians are unlikely to return.
Human Rights Watch criticizes Israel’s handling of Palestinian safety, pointing to attacks on escape routes and designated safe zones, as well as the cutoff of essential supplies like food and water.
HRW refugee and migrant rights researcher Nadia Hardman condemns Israel’s actions, arguing that they violate international obligations to ensure Palestinians’ safe return to their homes. Hardman also notes the widespread and lasting damage to infrastructure, which has effectively erased the possibility of return for many Palestinians in the affected areas.
In response, the Israeli military states it is committed to international law, asserting that its evacuation orders are intended to protect civilians. The military denies targeting civilian infrastructure without military necessity, claiming that any violations are investigated internally.
HRW Accuses Israel of War Crimes and Forced Displacement in New Gaza Report
Israel has faced similar accusations from other human rights organizations and UN bodies, which have also accused Hamas of war crimes. Recently, a UN inquiry alleged that Israel’s targeted destruction of Gaza’s health care infrastructure constitutes war crimes, accusations Israel strongly rejects, calling them an attempt to undermine its sovereignty.
Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, have previously asserted that Israel does not intend to permanently occupy Gaza or forcibly displace its population. However, comments from several far-right Israeli ministers suggest differing views, with some advocating for the long-term emigration of Palestinians from Gaza.
Far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich have voiced support for policies that would encourage Palestinians to leave Gaza and establish Israeli settlements, further heightening tensions around displacement concerns.
The HRW report arrives amid contrasting U.S. perspectives on the situation. While the U.S. recently concluded that Israel had not violated American laws regarding Gaza’s humanitarian crisis, aid organizations report dire conditions.
HRW urges international measures, including an arms embargo and sanctions against Israel, to pressure compliance with civilian protection standards. The organization also calls for an International Criminal Court investigation into Israel’s alleged forced displacement of Palestinians, labeling it a potential crime against humanity.
