Human Rights Watch (HRW) has issued a new report accusing the Israeli military of carrying out actions in the occupied West Bank that meet the legal threshold for crimes against humanity. The findings, released on Thursday, center on what the rights group describes as a coordinated campaign that has forced tens of thousands of Palestinians out of long-established refugee camps.
Mass Displacement Across Multiple Camps
According to HRW, at least eight camps-including Jenin, Tulkarm, Nur Shams, Dheisheh, and Far’a-have been nearly emptied since a major Israeli operation began in late 2024. The organization estimates that more than 32000 Palestinians were pushed out during the military campaign, calling the scale of displacement “unprecedented in recent decades.”
Researchers say the camps, many founded after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, experienced round-the-clock raids, widespread arrests, home demolitions, and the removal of critical infrastructure. Witnesses interviewed for the report described being given minutes to evacuate before bulldozers moved in or soldiers took over their residences.
HRW: Actions Meet Legal Standards for War Crimes
The report states that the expulsions amount to forcible transfer-a war crime under international humanitarian law. HRW argues that the scale and consistency of the operations make them a systematic policy, elevating them to crimes against humanity under the Rome Statute. The group is urging other governments to respond with targeted sanctions and an arms embargo on Israel.
“These measures violate the most fundamental protections for civilians living under occupation,” HRW researchers wrote.
Global Reaction and Heightened Concern
The report has intensified discussion at the international level. The United Nations voiced alarm over the situation, and European Union foreign policy said the findings raise “serious questions about proportionality and legality.”
A spokesperson for the U.S. State Department said Washington is reviewing the allegations and emphasized the importance of protecting civilians in conflict zones.
Israel Rejects Accusations
Israeli officials dismissed the report, calling it politically motivated and based on claims from hostile groups. The government says its activities in the West Bank are part of a broader campaign targeting armed militant cells that operate inside densely populated camps.
According to Israel, evacuations occur only when necessary for operational safety and are not intended to permanently remove civilians from their homes. Officials insist the measures comply with international law.
Broader Conflict Context
The military operation was launched after months of escalating violence and cross-border attacks, Israeli authorities say. Fighting inside the camps has involved intense urban combat, with the military arguing that militants use crowded civilian areas for cover.
Calls for International Action
HRW has urged the International Criminal Court to incorporate these findings into its ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine. The group is also calling for coordinated action by governments to hold officials accountable, including travel restrictions and asset freezes for those allegedly involved in planning or approving the expulsions.
As diplomatic pressure builds, the situation in the West Bank remains highly volatile, with thousands of displaced families uncertain if-or when-they will be allowed to return.
