ASIATODAY.ID, GAZA — The world is once again confronted with alarming findings.
The UN human rights office, Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), has warned that intensified Israeli military attacks and the forced transfer of Palestinians are raising serious concerns about possible ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the occupied West Bank.
The report, released on Thursday, February 19, 2026, covers the period from 1 November 2024 to 31 October 2025 and is based on monitoring conducted by OHCHR, as well as information from governmental sources, other UN entities, and non-governmental organizations.
“Intensified attacks, the methodical destruction of entire neighbourhoods and the denial of humanitarian assistance appeared to aim at a permanent demographic shift in Gaza,” the report stated.
Combined with patterns of forcible transfers, these actions “raise concerns over ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank,” it added.
25,594 Killed as Civilian Infrastructure Collapses
The report documents the continued killing and maiming of civilians in Gaza on an unprecedented scale, alongside the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and residential areas.
During the reporting period alone:
– 25,594 Palestinians were killed
– 68,837 were injured
Since the outbreak of hostilities on 7 October 2023, following Hamas-led attacks on Israel, more than 68,800 Palestinians have been killed and over 170,664 injured. The true death toll is believed to be higher, as it does not account for those still buried under rubble.
OHCHR noted that patterns of deadly attacks raise grave concerns that Israeli forces may have intentionally targeted civilians and civilian objects, or launched attacks knowing that the expected civilian harm would be clearly excessive in relation to anticipated military advantage — actions that could constitute war crimes under international law.
“Death by Starvation”: 463 Fatalities, Including 157 Children
One of the report’s most alarming findings concerns the use of starvation.
At least: 463 Palestinians died from starvation, Including 157 children.
The report states that famine and malnutrition were the direct result of actions taken by the Israeli Government, including blocking the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid.
Under international humanitarian law:
– The use of starvation of civilians as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime
– If carried out as part of a widespread or systematic attack, it may amount to crimes against humanity
– If committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnic, racial, or religious group, it may constitute genocide
Systematic Force and Arbitrary Arrests in the West Bank
In the occupied West Bank, the report details systematic unlawful use of force by Israeli security forces, including the deployment of warfare tactics in civilian areas.
It also documents: Widespread arbitrary arrests, Torture and other ill-treatment in detention and Destruction of Palestinian property.
These measures were described as being 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 during large-scale operations targeting individuals wanted by Israel.
Hostages and Allegations of Sexual Violence
The reporting period also saw Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continue to hold Israeli and foreign hostages abducted on 7 October 2023, including the bodies of those who died in captivity.
According to videos and testimonies from released hostages, detainees were reportedly subjected to:
– Sexual and gender-based violence
– Torture and beatings
– Prolonged underground confinement
– Deprivation of food, water, and sanitation
The report stressed that hostage-taking and such treatment violate multiple provisions of international humanitarian law and amount to war crimes, and possibly other atrocity crimes.
“Impunity Kills”: Call for Accountability
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned of a pervasive climate of impunity.
“Impunity is not abstract – it kills. Accountability is indispensable. It is the prerequisite for a just and durable peace in Palestine and Israel.”
The report states that no meaningful steps have been taken toward accountability for serious violations of international humanitarian law in the occupied Palestinian territory.
Global Appeal: Halt Arms Transfers
Among its recommendations, OHCHR urged all States to:
– Cease the sale, transfer, and diversion of arms and military equipment to Israel that could facilitate violations in the occupied Palestinian territory
– Ensure justice for victims as the foundation for Gaza’s reconstruction
– Guarantee immediate Palestinian participation in governance structures shaping reconstruction efforts.
While noting ongoing efforts to advance a US-led comprehensive plan to end the conflict, the report emphasized that the absence of accountability for violations since 7 October 2023 remains a critical gap.
A Defining Moment for the International Community
The OHCHR report stands as one of the strongest UN human rights assessments to date regarding Gaza and the West Bank.
With civilian casualties mounting, famine spreading, and allegations of war crimes and possible genocide under scrutiny, the international community faces a defining question:
Will accountability prevail — or will impunity continue to cost lives? (AT Network)
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