Human Rights Watch (HRW) has raised serious allegations against Israel regarding the forced displacement of civilians in northern Gaza, suggesting that these actions could constitute war crimes. Since October 2024, Israel has intensified its military operations in Gaza and ordered more than 400,000 people to evacuate from the north. HRW reports indicate that these mass evacuations are compounded by restricted access to food, water, and medical supplies, with many people facing bombardments even as they attempt to relocate to safer zones.
The organization argues that Israel, as an occupying power, is obliged to ensure the safety of civilians and provide adequate resources for their evacuation. However, Israeli actions, including attacks on alleged “safe zones,” have left families in precarious conditions, heightening concerns among human rights advocates. International law prohibits forced displacement without providing for civilian safety, and HRW asserts that these ongoing conditions in Gaza may amount to violations of war crime statutes if no improvements are made.
The issue has drawn global condemnation, with international observers calling for accountability in light of Israel’s actions. Meanwhile, Israeli officials defend these measures as necessary to target Hamas operatives within Gaza, who they allege endanger civilians by blending with the population. The mounting crisis has intensified calls for a ceasefire to address the worsening humanitarian conditions in Gaza.
