“The intensified attacks, the methodical destruction of entire neighborhoods and the denial of humanitarian aid appeared to be aimed at a permanent demographic shift in Gaza,” the report said.
“This, together with forced transfers, which appear to be aimed at permanent displacement, raises concerns about ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Killings, famine and destruction in Gaza
The rharbour describes the continued killing and maiming of unprecedented numbers of civilians by Israeli forces in Gaza, the spread of famine in the enclave and the destruction of remaining civilian infrastructure such as hospitals, schools and homes.
This “imposed living conditions on Palestinians that were increasingly incompatible with their continued existence in Gaza as a group.”
The patterns of deadly attacks observed in Gaza raised serious concerns that Israeli forces were deliberately targeting civilians and civilian objects, launching attacks knowing that the loss of life, injury or damage would be “manifestly excessive in relation to the expected military advantage, which would constitute war crimes.”
According to Gaza health authorities, at least 25,594 Palestinians were killed and 68,837 injured during the reporting period, which OHCHR verification confirmed to be reliable.
More than 68,800 Palestinians have been killed and 170,664 injured since hostilities began on October 7, 2023 following Hamas-led attacks on Israel. The actual death toll is likely higher because this figure does not take into account people buried under the rubble.
Death by starvation
At least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, died of hunger in Gaza during the reporting period.
“The situation of famine and malnutrition was the direct result of actions by the Israeli government,” the report said, including blocking the access and distribution of humanitarian aid.
Any use of starvation of a civilian population as a method of war constitutes a war crime, and may also constitute crimes against humanity if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack on a civilian population.
Furthermore, it can also constitute genocide if it is committed with the intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group.
Use of force in the West Bank
In the occupied West Bank, the report describes the systematic unlawful use of force by Israeli security forces “including through 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 acts were used “to systematically discriminate, oppress, control and dominate the Palestinian people.”
The report also notes incidents of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by Palestinian Authority security forces, including during large-scale militarized operations targeting individuals wanted by Israel.
Hostages as bargaining tools
During the reporting period, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continued to hold Israeli and foreign hostages seized on October 7, 2023 – along with the bodies of those who died or were killed in captivity – as bargaining tools.
“Previously released videos and public testimonies from released hostages have indicated sexual and other gender-based violence, torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings, prolonged underground confinement and denial of food, water and access to bathrooms,” the report said.
It recalled that taking hostages and subjecting them to such treatment and conditions “violates several provisions of international humanitarian law and amounts to war crimes and possibly other atrocities.”
Impunity and passivity
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 meaningful steps have been taken toward accountability.
“Impunishment is not abstract – it is deadly. Accountability is indispensable. It is the condition for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel,” said Volker Türk, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Call for justice
Based on recommendations, the report urged all states to “cease the sale, transfer and diversion of arms, ammunition and other military equipment to Israel,” facilitating violations in the occupied Palestinian territory.
He noted ongoing efforts to advance the US-led comprehensive plan to end the conflict in Gaza announced last October; However, the lack of any steps to ensure accountability for violations since October 7, 2023 represents a critical gap.
The report emphasized that “justice for the victims must lay the foundation for the reconstruction of Gaza,” and called on states to ensure the immediate participation of Palestinians in governance structures to determine and shape the reconstruction of the enclave.
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