UN Report Warns of ‘Ethnic Cleansing’ Risks in Gaza and West Bank

A report released today by the UN Human Rights Office has raised grave concerns over what it describes as possible ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, citing intensified attacks, large-scale destruction, forcible transfers and the denial of humanitarian assistance.

Covering the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025, the report concludes that patterns of conduct by Israeli authorities appear aimed at permanently displacing Palestinians across the occupied territories.

"Intensified attacks, the methodical destruction of entire neighbourhoods and the denial of humanitarian assistance appeared to aim at a permanent demographic shift in Gaza," the report states.

"This, together with forcible transfers, which appear to aim at a permanent displacement, raise concerns over ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank."

Gaza: Civilian Deaths, Famine and Infrastructure Destruction

The report details what it describes as the continued killing and maiming of unprecedented numbers of civilians in Gaza during the reporting period.

It highlights:

• Widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure

• Severe humanitarian restrictions

• Conditions of famine and extreme malnutrition

• Mass displacement

At least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, reportedly died from starvation during the reporting period, according to the report.

It attributes the famine conditions to actions by the Israeli Government, including the blocking of humanitarian aid entry and distribution.

The report states that using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare would constitute a war crime, and could amount to a crime against humanity if part of a widespread or systematic attack on civilians. If carried out with intent to destroy a protected group in whole or in part, such acts could also meet the legal threshold for genocide, it adds.

The UN Human Rights Office further expresses concern that patterns of attacks in Gaza suggest Israeli forces may have intentionally targeted civilians or launched strikes knowing civilian harm would be excessive relative to anticipated military advantage — actions that would constitute war crimes under international law.

West Bank: Detention, Demolitions and Use of Force

In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the report describes:

• Systematic unlawful use of force by Israeli security forces

• Widespread arbitrary detention

• Torture and ill-treatment in detention

• Extensive demolition of Palestinian homes

The report says these measures are used to "systematically discriminate, oppress, control and dominate the Palestinian people."

It also documents the deaths of 79 Palestinians in Israeli detention during the reporting period and notes that detainees from Gaza are particularly vulnerable to abuse.

The report additionally points to incidents of unnecessary or disproportionate force by the Palestinian Authority.

Hostages and Armed Groups

The report also addresses violations by Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups, which continued to hold Israeli and foreign hostages seized on 7 October 2023, as well as the bodies of those who died in captivity.

It references public testimonies from released hostages describing:

• Sexual and gender-based violence

• Torture and beatings

• Prolonged underground confinement

• Deprivation of food, water and sanitation

'Pervasive Climate of Impunity'

A key finding of the report is what it calls a "pervasive climate of impunity" for serious violations of international humanitarian and human rights law.

It states that no meaningful accountability steps have been taken by Israel's justice system regarding alleged violations in the occupied Palestinian territory.

Among its recommendations, the report urges all States to:

• Cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms and military equipment to Israel that may facilitate violations of international law

• Ensure humanitarian access

• Support accountability mechanisms

The report also highlights that while a United States-led "Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict" came into effect on 9 October 2025, efforts to end hostilities have not been accompanied by accountability measures.

"The absence of any steps to ensure accountability for violations of international law since 7 October 2023 represented a critical gap," the report states.

Accountability as Foundation for Peace

The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, stressed that justice must underpin reconstruction and future peace efforts.

"Justice for victims must lay the foundation for the reconstruction of Gaza," the report says, calling for Palestinians' immediate participation in governance structures shaping Gaza's rebuilding.

"Impunity is not abstract – it kills. Accountability is indispensable. It is the prerequisite for a just and durable peace in Palestine and Israel," Türk said.

The report adds to mounting international scrutiny of conduct by all parties in the conflict and underscores the urgent need for humanitarian access, protection of civilians and credible accountability processes.