World

Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of Committing War Crimes Amid Gaza Displacements

2024-11-14

Author: Jessica Wong

Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of War Crimes

In a damning report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of carrying out war crimes and crimes against humanity through the intentional mass displacement of Palestinians in Gaza. This comes in light of a humanitarian crisis where about 1.9 million people, or 90% of Gaza’s population, have been forced to flee their homes in the past year, with 79% of the territory currently under Israeli evacuation orders, according to the United Nations.

Allegations of Forcible Transfer and Ethnic Cleansing

HRW's investigation contends that these actions constitute "forcible transfer" and suggests that Israeli practices might meet the legal definition of ethnic cleansing. The report is built on interviews with displaced individuals, as well as satellite imagery, analyses of Israeli evacuation orders, and documentation showing widespread destruction.

Israeli Military's Defense

The Israeli military has refrained from commenting on the report itself, though it has previously defended its evacuations as necessary measures to protect civilian lives, arguing that they comply with international warfare laws. However, HRW emphasizes that, under these laws, forced displacement of civilians in occupied territories is usually prohibited unless absolutely necessary for their safety or due to pressing military needs. Conditions for lawful displacements, including safe relocation and the assurance of returning after hostilities, have reportedly not been met.

Criticism of Evacuation Orders

Moreover, the HRW report criticizes the Israeli evacuation orders as "inconsistent" and "inaccurate," asserting that they often were not communicated timely to civilians. Many individuals, including those with disabilities, faced additional obstacles preventing their evacuation. The situation on the ground has further deteriorated as designated evacuation routes and safe zones have reportedly fallen under direct fire.

Humanitarian Crisis and Supply Restrictions

The report highlights a humanitarian crisis, accusing Israeli forces of severely restricting essential supplies, including food, water, electricity, and fuel, from reaching affected populations. Vital civilian infrastructure, such as hospitals and bakeries, has faced significant damage as military operations persist.

Targeting of Civilian Homes and Buffer Zones

Additionally, HRW outlines allegations that Israel's military has systematically targeted and demolished civilian homes with the stated goal of establishing an extended "buffer zone" around Gaza. Such measures, according to HRW, insinuate a long-term plan to displace Palestinians and alter the demographic landscape of the region, as indicated by statements from various Israeli government officials regarding territorial adjustments favoring Israeli settlers.

Israeli Military's Response and Ongoing Conflict

As the situation unfolds, the Israeli military continues to deny claims of creating permanent buffer zones, while officials, including Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, assert that those displaced from northern Gaza will eventually be allowed to return. This escalation occurs in the wake of Israel's military campaign against Hamas, which was launched following a significant attack by the group on October 7, 2023, resulting in significant casualties on both sides. More than 43,700 people have reportedly died in Gaza since the conflict intensified.

International Scrutiny and Implications

As international scrutiny continues to mount, the implications of these events raise crucial questions about the humanitarian consequences and legal ramifications of state policies in conflict zones. What will the world’s response be as evidence of systematic displacement and potential ethnic cleansing surfaces?