Israel Forcibly Displaced 1.9 Million of Gaza's 2.2 Million Inhabitants: Human Rights Watch

Human Rights Watch (HRW) has reported that since October 2023, Israel has forcibly displaced approximately 1.9 million Palestinians—over 90% of Gaza’s population—in a large-scale, intentional campaign that HRW claims amounts to war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The 154-page report, titled “Hopeless, Starving, and Besieged: Israel’s Forced Displacement of Palestinians in Gaza”, was released amid ongoing Israeli military operations and a total blockade in northern Gaza, which have reportedly led to further displacement of civilians.

The report describes how Israeli forces have demolished homes and civilian infrastructure, allegedly creating “buffer zones” and security “corridors” that have displaced Palestinians, with no clear provisions for their return. HRW asserts that these actions, coupled with targeted strikes along evacuation routes, violate international laws of war, which restrict forced displacement except under specific, limited conditions.

While Israeli officials argue that the displacement is intended to target armed groups in civilian areas, HRW’s findings suggest no military necessity justifies such large-scale dislocation. According to the report, inconsistent and often incomplete evacuation orders have created widespread fear and confusion, leaving many civilians vulnerable, including people with disabilities and others needing assistance.

The HRW report also emphasizes that Israel, as an occupying power, has a legal responsibility to safeguard displaced civilians. However, HRW claims that Israel’s blockade on essential goods—such as food, water, fuel, and medical supplies—has further deteriorated living conditions in Gaza, with airstrikes damaging hospitals, schools, and other vital infrastructure.

HRW highlights Israel’s obligations to facilitate the return of Palestinians to their homes, noting that extensive demolitions and security zones suggest an intent to make the displacement permanent. The report further describes these actions as a continuation of longstanding practices preventing the return of refugees and their descendants displaced during the 1948 “Nakba,” or catastrophe.

The report concludes by urging the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate Israel’s forced displacement actions as crimes against humanity. HRW has called on the United States, Germany, and other allies to halt military aid to Israel, warning that continued arms transfers risk complicity in these alleged war crimes and severe human rights abuses.