“Intensified attacks, the methodical destruction of entire neighborhoods and the denial of humanitarian assistance seemed to point to a permanent demographic change in Gaza,” he said.
“This, along with the forced transfers, which appear to be aimed at permanent displacement, raise concerns about ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Killings, famine and destruction in Gaza
The report details 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 was “imposing on Palestinians living conditions increasingly incompatible with their continued existence in Gaza as a group.”
The patterns of deadly attacks witnessed in Gaza raised serious concerns that Israeli forces were intentionally targeting civilians and civilian objects, and launching attacks knowing that the loss of life, injury or damage “would be clearly excessive in relation to the anticipated military advantage, which would constitute war crimes.”
At least 25,594 Palestinians were killed and 68,837 injured during the reporting period, according to Gaza health authorities, which OHCHR verification confirmed to be reliable.
More than 68,800 Palestinians have been killed and 170,664 injured since the start of hostilities on October 7, 2023 following Hamas-led attacks against Israel. The actual death toll is likely higher, as the figure does not take into account people buried under the rubble.
Death by hunger
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 taken by the Israeli government,” the report said, which included blocking the entry 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 against a civilian population.
Furthermore, “if committed with the intention of destroying, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial or religious group, it may also constitute genocide.”
Use of force in the West Bank
In the occupied West Bank, the report details the systematic and unlawful use of force by Israeli security forces “including through the continued deployment of means and methods designed for war”; widespread arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment of Palestinian detainees, and destruction of property.
These acts were used “to systematically discriminate, oppress, control and dominate the Palestinian people.”
The report also noted incidents of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by Palestinian Authority security forces, including during large-scale militarized operations targeting people wanted by Israel.
Hostages as negotiation tools
During the reporting period, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups also continued to hold Israeli and foreign hostages captured on October 7, 2023, along with the bodies of those who died or were killed in captivity, as negotiating tools.
“Previously released videos and public testimonies from freed hostages have indicated sexual and gender-based violence, torture and other ill-treatment, including beatings, prolonged confinement underground, and deprivation of food, water, and access to toilets,” the report says.
He recalled that taking hostages and subjecting them to such treatment and conditions “violates multiple provisions of international humanitarian law and amounts to war crimes and possibly other atrocity crimes.”
Impunity and inaction
The report also details a “pervasive climate of impunity” for serious human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli authorities in the occupied Palestinian territory. No significant steps have been taken towards accountability.
“Impunity is not abstract: it kills. Accountability is indispensable. It is the prerequisite for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel,” said United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
Call to justice
According to the recommendations, the report calls on all States to “cease the sale, transfer and diversion of weapons, ammunition and other military equipment to Israel”, which facilitates violations in the occupied Palestinian territory.
He noted continued efforts to advance the US-led Comprehensive Plan to end the conflict in Gaza, announced last October; However, the absence of measures to ensure accountability for violations since October 7, 2023 represents a critical gap.
The report insisted that “justice for 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.