Israeli authorities have deliberately campaigned for forced displacement in Gaza which is a crime against humanity and ethnic cleansing, according to a new report from Human Rights Watch.
The 154-page report details the destruction wrought by Israel’s year-long military campaign in Gaza, which has displaced more than 90% of the population. Investigators gathered evidence based on interviews with displaced Palestinians and analyzed satellite images, Israeli evacuation orders and statements from senior Israeli officials, including Benjamin Netanyahu.
“Senior Israeli government and War Cabinet officials have repeatedly stated their intention to forcibly relocate the population, from the first days of the war until more than a year later, with government ministers saying that land will decrease Gaza,” said Nadia Hardman, author of the report.
The report mainly focuses on withdrawal orders issued by Israeli forces, which they say are aimed at ensuring the safety of Palestinian civilians. Human Rights Watch, however, said security forces were unable to guarantee Palestinian safe travel and shelter through these orders.
