UN report warns of ethnic cleansing fears in Gaza and West Bank as violence persists and international stabilisation plans gather pace….reports Asian Lite News
A new report from the United Nations Human Rights Office has raised serious concerns about what it describes as patterns of intensified violence, large-scale destruction and forcible transfers of Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank, warning that the cumulative impact may amount to ethnic cleansing.
Covering the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025, the report says that “intensified attacks, the methodical destruction of entire neighbourhoods and the denial of humanitarian assistance appeared to aim at a permanent demographic shift in Gaza”. It adds that such actions, taken together with what it calls forcible transfers, “raise concerns over ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank”.
In Gaza, the report details what it describes as unprecedented levels of civilian casualties, the widespread maiming of non-combatants and the near-collapse of civilian infrastructure. It documents the destruction of residential areas, hospitals, schools and water systems, arguing that the cumulative effect has imposed living conditions “increasingly incompatible with the continued existence” of Palestinians in Gaza as a group.
The findings also point to patterns of strikes that allegedly raise “grave concerns” that Israeli forces intentionally targeted civilians and civilian objects, or launched attacks knowing that civilian harm would be excessive in relation to anticipated military advantage. If proven, such acts would constitute war crimes under international law, the report underlines.
In the occupied West Bank, including East Jerusalem, the document outlines what it calls the systematic unlawful use of force by Israeli security forces, widespread arbitrary detention, and allegations of torture and other ill-treatment of Palestinians in custody. It further highlights the demolition of Palestinian homes and property, saying these measures are used “to systematically discriminate, oppress, control and dominate the Palestinian people”.
“Impunity is not abstract – it kills. Accountability is indispensable. It is the prerequisite for a just and durable peace in Palestine and Israel,” said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk, urging the international community to ensure that violations are investigated and addressed.
The report comes amid continuing violence on the ground, despite a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas that entered its second phase last month. Gaza’s Civil Defence agency said at least 11 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the enclave on Sunday, revising an earlier toll of nine. Strikes were reported in areas including Tel al-Hawa, Beit Lahia, Jabalia refugee camp and Khan Younis. Local sources and officials described drone attacks, artillery shelling and demolitions of homes in northern Gaza.
The Israel Defense Forces said its troops had identified armed militants emerging from underground infrastructure in northern Gaza and carried out strikes, calling the incident a “blatant violation” of the ceasefire. Hamas officials accused Israel of committing “massacres” and breaching the truce.
According to Gaza health authorities, 601 Palestinians have been killed and 1,607 wounded since the ceasefire took effect. The overall death toll since 7 October 2023 now stands at more than 72,000, with over 171,000 wounded. These figures cannot be independently verified due to severe media restrictions and limited access to the territory.
Alongside the mounting humanitarian concerns, diplomatic efforts are under way to reshape post-war governance and security arrangements in Gaza. At a recent meeting of the US-proposed Board of Peace, US President Donald Trump said nine countries had pledged a combined $7 billion for Gaza relief, far below the estimated $70 billion required for reconstruction.
At the same gathering, Major General Jasper Jeffers, commander of the newly created International Stabilization Force, outlined plans for a 20,000-strong multinational force to operate alongside 12,000 Palestinian police officers in Gaza. Training for both forces is expected to take place in Egypt and Jordan. Countries including Indonesia, Morocco, Kazakhstan, Albania and the Kosovo authorities have reportedly committed troops, although no deployment timeline has been announced.
The proposed force and the broader Board of Peace initiative have drawn scepticism from some international actors, who fear it could overlap with or undermine the role of the United Nations. Critics argue that any long-term settlement must be rooted in international law and multilateral consensus.
Meanwhile, humanitarian conditions in Gaza remain dire. Aid agencies warn of spreading famine, acute shortages of medical supplies and fuel, and the near-total collapse of essential services. Entire neighbourhoods lie in ruins, and hundreds of thousands of displaced people continue to shelter in tents or damaged buildings.
The UN report’s warning about possible ethnic cleansing is likely to intensify pressure on Israel and its allies, as well as on Palestinian armed groups, to comply fully with international humanitarian law. It also places renewed focus on the question of accountability, at a time when geopolitical divisions have repeatedly stalled action in international forums.
