International advocacy group Human Rights Watch has accused Israel of war crimes in its ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza. In a new report, the group said Israel is using evacuation orders for the “deliberate and massive forced displacement” of Palestinian civilians in Gaza.
Human Rights Watch also said it has collected evidence that Israel breached the Geneva Conventions and international law by committing the “war crime of forcible transfer [of the civilian population].”
According to the United Nations, 1.9 million Palestinians have been displaced since the war between Israel and Hamas broke out a little over a year ago following Hamas’ attack on Israel. That’s 90% of Gaza’s population.
In a statement, HRW claimed Israel has been illegally and deliberately conducting “controlled demolitions of homes and civilian infrastructure” in Gaza, likely permanently displacing Palestinians. The group added, “Israel has blatantly violated its obligation to ensure Palestinians can return home, razing virtually everything in large areas.”
Israel responded to the accusation, saying it is committed to international law and operates accordingly, and that the evacuation orders are to protect civilians from combat. Israel also denied the claim it was actively trying to do maximum damage to civilian infrastructure.
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