- HRW accuses Israel of war crimes amid Gaza displacement crisis
- 90% of Gaza’s population forcibly displaced
- Report says displacement lacks valid military justification
HRW accuses Israel of war crimes amid Gaza displacement crisis
Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of committing war crimes by forcibly displacing nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, amounting to about 1.9 million people. In its report, HRW says this constitutes “forcible transfer” and possibly “ethnic cleansing,” claiming the displacement lacks a valid military justification under international law. The report also highlights inadequate communication of evacuation orders and insufficient humanitarian aid for affected civilians.
Israel has rejected the allegations, stating its military actions target Hamas, not civilians, and comply with international law. HRW has also criticised Hamas for using civilians as human shields by operating in residential areas. The crisis continues to unfold as Israeli forces conduct ground operations in northern Gaza, with the UN reporting severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies for tens of thousands of people still under siege.