Israel 'Committing War Crimes' by Forcibly Displacing 1.9 Million Palestinians: HRW

In a report titled "Hopeless, Starving, and Besieged: Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in Gaza,” HRW described how Israeli airstrikes, evacuation orders, and the destruction of essential infrastructure have led to a worsening humanitarian catastrophe.

"The intention of Israeli forces appears likely to ensure they remain permanently emptied and cleansed of Palestinians and, in their place, occupied and controlled by Israeli forces," the report stated.

HRW emphasized that Israel’s evacuation orders and sustained bombings have compelled the majority of Gaza’s residents to leave their homes without adequate protections.

Using evidence from interviews, satellite imagery, and analyses of orders and attack footage, the report concluded that Israeli forces acted with "disregard for civilian life and international legal obligations."

The report further explained that displaced Palestinians are enduring "unrelentingly dangerous conditions" with severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies.

The rights group criticized Israel for failing to uphold civilian protection measures—a fundamental aspect of international humanitarian law—while deliberately targeting densely populated civilian areas.

"Even if Israel can demonstrate that its actions fall within the displacement exception, its lack of adherence to the strict protections required to make an evacuation lawful demonstrates that its orders for people to move were a pretext for forced displacement," report stated.

Lama Fakih, HRW’s Middle East director, said, "The mass displacement of Palestinians and the destruction of homes and vital infrastructure have caused unspeakable suffering."

The report highlighted the impact of Israel’s blockade, noting that bombings of hospitals, schools, and refugee shelters have left civilians without safe havens—a breach of international laws prohibiting attacks on civilian infrastructure.

"Forced displacement of civilians during armed conflict is prohibited under international law, except for their safety," HRW emphasized.

The Israeli regime maintains that its actions are lawful, arguing they are necessary to counter security threats and dismantle militant operations. However, HRW rejected these claims, asserting that the pattern and scale of displacement suggest a deliberate campaign to depopulate Gaza.

"Given the evidence strongly indicates that multiple acts of forced displacement were carried out with intent, it amounts to war crimes," HRW asserted.

The rights group called for immediate international intervention, urging independent investigations and accountability for the humanitarian crisis.

"Governments around the world need to pressure Israel to cease these violations and address the catastrophic conditions it has created," HRW concluded.

The report intensifies international scrutiny of Israel’s military campaign, as global leaders and human rights organizations warn of the severe and lasting impacts on Gaza’s population.

Since October 7, 2023, Israel’s ongoing offensive has killed over 43,700 people, leaving Gaza on the brink of uninhabitability. Israel currently faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice regarding its actions in Gaza.