“The intensification of attacks, the methodical destruction of entire areas and the denial of humanitarian aid appeared to be aimed at permanently changing the demographic structure of Gaza.” UN report points to possible ethnic cleansing in Gaza and West Bank Peace and security
Increased Israeli attacks and forced displacement of Palestinians may indicate ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip and West Bank. This is stated in a report published on Thursday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The report covers the period from November 1, 2024 to October 31, 2025. It is based on monitoring results from OHCHR, as well as information from government sources, other UN agencies and non-governmental organizations.
“The intensification of attacks, the methodical destruction of entire areas and the denial of humanitarian assistance appeared to be aimed at permanently changing the demographic structure of Gaza,” the document says. “This, coupled with forced displacements that appear to be aimed at permanently displacing [Palestinians], raises concerns about the presence of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Murder, famine and destruction in Gaza
The report details the ongoing killing of “unprecedented numbers” of civilians by Israeli forces in Gaza, the spread of famine in the enclave and the destruction of remaining civilian infrastructure – hospitals, schools and homes. This, the document says, “creates living conditions for Palestinians that are increasingly incompatible with their continued existence in Gaza.”
The nature of the deadly attacks in Gaza, according to the report’s authors, raises serious concerns that Israeli forces deliberately targeted civilians and targets, and carried out attacks knowing that civilian casualties, injuries or destruction “would be clearly disproportionate to the expected military advantage, which is military crime.”
According to Gaza health authorities, which OHCHR has confirmed as reliable, at least 25,594 Palestinians were killed and 68,837 were injured during the reporting period.
Since the outbreak of hostilities on October 7, 2023, following Hamas attacks on Israel, more than 68,800 Palestinians have been killed and 170,664 injured. The real death toll is likely higher as many remain trapped under the rubble.
Death from hunger
At least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, died from hunger in Gaza during the reporting period.
“The situation of hunger and malnutrition was a direct result of the actions of the Israeli government,” the report says. Its authors emphasize that any use of civilian starvation as a method of warfare is a war crime and may also constitute a crime against humanity if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against civilians. In addition, if it is committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, it may also constitute genocide.
Use of force in the West Bank
In the occupied West Bank, the report documents the systematic unlawful use of force by the Israeli military, “including the continued use of means and methods designed for warfare,” widespread arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment of Palestinians in custody, and destruction of property. These actions were used “to systematically discriminate against, oppress, control and dominate the Palestinian people.”
The report also noted alarming instances of disproportionate use of violence by Palestinian Authority security forces, including large paramilitary operations against individuals wanted by Israel.
Hostages as a tool of pressure
During the reporting period, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continued to hold Israeli and foreign hostages taken on October 7, 2023, as well as the bodies of those who died or were killed in captivity, as a tool of pressure.
“Previously released videos and public testimony from freed hostages indicate sexual and other gender-based violence, torture and other forms of ill-treatment, including beatings, prolonged detention underground, deprivation of food, water and access to toilets,” the report says.
It is noted that taking hostages and treating them in this manner “violates numerous provisions of international humanitarian law and constitutes war crimes.”
Impunity and inaction
The report also describes a “pervasive climate of impunity” for gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli authorities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. No significant steps were taken to bring to justice, the document says.
“Impunity is not an abstraction, it kills. Accountability is irreplaceable. This is a necessary condition for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Call for justice
Among its recommendations, the report calls on all states to “stop the sale, transfer and supply of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment to Israel,” which contribute to violations and crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The report’s authors noted ongoing efforts to advance the US Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza, but the lack of any steps to ensure accountability for violations committed since October 7, 2023, they said, “remains a critical gap.”
The document emphasizes that “justice for the victims must be the basis for the reconstruction of Gaza.” Its authors called on states to ensure immediate Palestinian participation in the sector’s governance structures so that they can shape and shape the enclave’s reconstruction process.