Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released a report asserting that military operations conducted by Israeli forces in the northern West Bank amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. According to the report, approximately 32,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced from three refugee camps since January 2025. HRW alleges that these actions are part of a systematic attack on civilians, raising serious implications under international law.
The report highlights the organized and forced displacement of nearly the entire Palestinian population from the camps in question, which include the Jenin, Balata, and Aqabat Jabr camps. It states that residents have been denied the right to return almost a year after military operations ceased. These camps were established after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, which saw hundreds of thousands of Palestinians displaced from their homes. Originally intended as temporary shelters, these camps have remained for over 75 years and have become densely populated residential areas.
HRW asserts that Israeli forces employed heavy weaponry to evacuate the camps, issuing abrupt orders to residents during active military operations. In response to the allegations, the Israeli military stated that its operations aimed to target militants, claiming that terrorists exploit the crowded terrain of the camps, which hinders military effectiveness. An official statement explained that Hamas uses civilian infrastructure to plant explosive devices, thus endangering both security forces and local residents.
Despite these assertions, HRW notes significant gaps in the Israeli military’s response. The military did not justify the necessity of displacing the entire population of the camps to achieve its operational goals, nor did it clarify whether alternative measures had been considered. The military’s response further failed to address inquiries regarding the provision of food, shelter, and medical services to the displaced populations, which are mandates under international humanitarian law.
International humanitarian law generally prohibits the forcible displacement of civilians in occupied territories, except under specific circumstances that include safeguards. HRW found that Israeli forces did not meet these requirements, including the provision of safe evacuation routes and humanitarian assistance for those displaced.
In light of these findings, Human Rights Watch has called for investigations by the United Nations and domestic authorities under universal jurisdiction. The organization has also recommended targeted sanctions against several Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and military commanders.
The situation adds to the ongoing scrutiny faced by Israeli leadership, particularly as the International Criminal Court is already investigating alleged war crimes linked to the broader conflict. In November 2024, the Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli leaders, further complicating the international legal landscape surrounding these issues.
As the situation unfolds, the implications of HRW’s report could have significant consequences for Israeli-Palestinian relations and the accountability of military operations in conflict zones. The international community will be watching closely as discussions regarding humanitarian law and the protection of civilian populations continue to evolve.
