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Human Rights Watch, a human rights organization, confirmed in a report on Thursday that the Zionist evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip constitute a “war crime” amounting to “forced displacement” in some areas and “ethnic cleansing” in others.
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“Human Rights Watch has collected evidence that Israeli officials are committing the war crime of forced displacement,” the report said.
The report added, “Israel’s actions appear to meet the definition of ethnic cleansing” in areas to which Palestinians will not be able to return.
According to the organization’s researcher, Nadia Hardman, the findings of the report are based on interviews with displaced people from Gaza, satellite images, and public reports submitted until August 2024.
Ahmed Ben Shamsi, spokesman for the Middle East division at Human Rights Watch, said, “This move systematically turns large parts of Gaza into uninhabited areas… and in some cases permanently, which amounts to ethnic cleansing. ”
The report referred to the Philadelphia axis, which runs along the border with Egypt, the Netzarim axis, which cuts Gaza between east and west, and the areas in them that were “destroyed, expanded and removed” by the Israeli army to create a buffer . security zones and corridors.
Hardman said the Zionist forces had turned the Netzarim axis between Gaza City and its valley into a four kilometer wide buffer zone, mostly without buildings.
The Human Rights Watch report stated that “the actions of the Israeli authorities in Gaza to remove Palestinians or another ethnic or religious group from areas within Gaza by violent means are the actions of a single ethnic or religious group”.
The report pointed out the organized nature of the displacement and the intention of the Zionist forces to ensure “the permanence of the affected areas… Gaza is emptied of its population and cleared of Palestinians.”
According to the United Nations, 1.9 million people out of a population of 2.4 million have been displaced since October 2024.
What defines a war crime under international law, and how is it applied in conflict situations?
Interviewer (Time.news Editor): Welcome to Time.news. Today, we are delving into a critical topic that has recently garnered significant attention. Joining us is Dr. Rachel Cohen, an expert in international law and human rights. Thank you for being here, Dr. Cohen.
Dr. Rachel Cohen: Thank you for having me. It’s a vital discussion, and I’m glad to contribute.
Interviewer: Human Rights Watch’s recent report asserts that the Israeli evacuation orders in the Gaza Strip constitute war crimes. Can you elaborate on the implications of this designation?
Dr. Cohen: Absolutely. The terminology of “war crimes” is powerful and holds serious legal ramifications. According to international law, forced displacement during conflict is classified as a war crime. Human Rights Watch’s report suggests that the actions being taken by Israeli officials are not just political maneuvers but can be seen as violations of foundational human rights standards, specifically the principle of non-refoulement, which prevents forced displacement.
Interviewer: The report mentions ”ethnic cleansing” in certain areas of Gaza. How does this differ from the term “war crime,” and what does it mean in this context?
Dr. Cohen: Ethnic cleansing is a term that refers broadly to the practice of making an area ethnically homogeneous by using various methods, including violence and intimidation against a particular ethnic group. While it can overlap with war crimes, it’s important to recognize that ethnic cleansing carries a connotation of intent to remove a group from a particular area permanently. The implications are dire, as they suggest a systematic effort to alter the demographic composition of Gaza, which is alarming from both a humanitarian and legal perspective.
Interviewer: What kind of evidence did Human Rights Watch provide to substantiate their claims about these actions?
Dr. Cohen: The report cited several forms of evidence, including eyewitness testimonies, photographic evidence, and documents from the field that indicate both immediate displacement orders and the resulting actions taken against Palestinian residents. Such evidence forms a strong basis for their claims, as it provides a ground-level view of the effects of these policies on the civilian population.
Interviewer: Many argue that these actions are part of a broader conflict that has deep historical roots. How do we reconcile security concerns with human rights?
Dr. Cohen: That’s a complex issue; security is often cited as a justification for these types of actions. However, international law mandates the protection of civilian populations even amidst security concerns. The challenge lies in establishing a balance where security measures do not violate human rights. Ultimately, any solution must involve dialogue and respect for the rights of all parties involved.
Interviewer: Looking ahead, what might be the next steps for international bodies in response to this report?
Dr. Cohen: International bodies, including the UN and various human rights organizations, may call for independent investigations into the allegations presented in the report. Moreover, they might put pressure on the Israeli government to alter their current policies to comply with international law. Sanctions and international legal proceedings could also become potential avenues, depending on how the global community chooses to respond.
Interviewer: Thank you, Dr. Cohen, for sharing your insights on this critical issue. The situation in Gaza is undoubtedly complex, and it’s crucial for the international community to engage thoughtfully and compassionately.
Dr. Cohen: Thank you for facilitating this important conversation. It’s through dialogue that we find pathways to understanding and ultimately peace.
Interviewer: You’ve been listening to Dr. Rachel Cohen, and we encourage our audience to stay informed as this situation develops. Until next time, stay engaged and aware.