Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: United Nations – United Nations –
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February 19, 2026 Peace and security
The escalation of Israeli attacks and the forced displacement of Palestinians may indicate ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, according to a report released Thursday by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).
The report covers the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025. It is based on monitoring by OHCHR, as well as information from government sources, other UN entities and non-governmental organizations.
“The intensification of attacks, the systematic destruction of entire neighborhoods, and the denial of humanitarian aid appear to be aimed at permanently altering the demographic structure of Gaza,” the document says. “This, coupled with forced displacements that appear to be aimed at permanently displacing [Palestinians], raises concerns about the existence of ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.”
Killings, starvation and destruction in Gaza
The report details the ongoing killing of "unprecedented numbers" of civilians by Israeli forces in Gaza, the spread of famine in the enclave, and the destruction of remaining civilian infrastructure—hospitals, schools, and homes. This, the document states, "creates living conditions for Palestinians that are increasingly incompatible with their continued existence in Gaza."
The nature of the deadly attacks in Gaza, according to the report's authors, raises serious concerns that Israeli forces deliberately targeted civilians and objects and carried out attacks in the knowledge that the loss of life, injury or destruction "would be grossly disproportionate to the anticipated military advantage, which constitutes a war crime."
According to Gaza health authorities, which OHCHR has confirmed as reliable, at least 25,594 Palestinians were killed and 68,837 were injured during the reporting period.
Since the fighting began on October 7, 2023, following Hamas attacks on Israel, more than 68,800 Palestinians have been killed and 170,664 injured. The actual death toll is likely higher, as many remain trapped under rubble.
Death by hunger
At least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, died of starvation in Gaza during the reporting period.
"The situation of famine and malnutrition is a direct result of the actions of the Israeli government," the report states. Its authors emphasize that any use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime and may also constitute a crime against humanity if committed as part of a widespread or systematic attack against the civilian population. Furthermore, if committed with the intent to destroy, 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 documents the systematic, unlawful use of force by the Israeli military, "including the continued use of means and methods designed for warfare," large-scale arbitrary arrests, torture and other ill-treatment of Palestinians in custody, and the destruction of property. These actions were used "to systematically discriminate against, suppress, control, and dominate the Palestinian people."
The report also noted alarming instances of disproportionate use of violence by Palestinian Authority security forces, including major military operations against individuals wanted by Israel.
Hostages as a tool of pressure
During the reporting period, Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continued to hold Israeli and foreign hostages captured on October 7, 2023, as well as the bodies of those who died or were killed in captivity, as a means of pressure.
“Previously released videos and public testimonies from released hostages indicate sexual and other gender-based violence, torture and other forms of ill-treatment, including beatings, prolonged detention underground, deprivation of food, water and access to toilets,” the report says.
It is noted that the taking of hostages and their treatment in this manner “violates numerous provisions of international humanitarian law and constitutes war crimes.”
Impunity and inaction
The report also describes a "pervasive climate of impunity" for gross human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law committed by Israeli authorities in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. No significant steps have been taken to ensure accountability, the document states.
"Impunity is not an abstraction; it kills. Accountability is indispensable. It is a necessary condition for a just and lasting peace in Palestine and Israel," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk.
A Call for Justice
Among its recommendations, the report calls on all states to "cease the sale, transfer and supply of arms, ammunition and other military equipment to Israel" that facilitate violations and crimes in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.
The report's authors noted ongoing efforts to advance the US-led Comprehensive Plan to End the Conflict in Gaza, but the lack of any steps to ensure accountability for violations committed after October 7, 2023, "remains a critical gap," they said.
The document emphasizes that "justice for the victims must be at the core of Gaza's reconstruction." Its authors called on states to ensure the immediate participation of Palestinians in the Strip's governance structures so that they can determine and shape the enclave's reconstruction process.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.