Human Rights Watch (HRW) has published a report accusing Israeli military operations in the northern West Bank of constituting war crimes and crimes against humanity. The report details the forced displacement of approximately 32,000 Palestinians from three refugee camps, a process that began in January 2025. HRW claims that these actions are part of a broader assault on civilians, which, if verified, would qualify as crimes against humanity under international law.
According to the HRW report, the organized and forced displacement has nearly eradicated the Palestinian population from the affected areas. The report specifically highlights the camps of Jenin, Nablus, and Balata, where residents have been denied the right to return nearly a year after military operations concluded. Established after the 1948 Arab-Israeli War, these camps initially housed those displaced from what became the State of Israel. Intended as temporary shelters, they have persisted for over 75 years, evolving into densely populated communities.
The Israeli military employed heavy artillery to evacuate the camps and issued abrupt orders for residents to leave during active operations, according to HRW. In response, the Israeli military stated that its operations were aimed at targeting “terrorist infrastructure” and were driven by security imperatives. An official statement from the military asserted: “The operation was based on the understanding that terrorists exploit the terrain and the densely built environment of the camps, which restricts the IDF’s freedom of action. Hamas plants explosive devices in houses, civilian infrastructure, and along traffic routes, endangering the lives of security forces and local residents.”
HRW highlights significant gaps in the Israeli military’s rationale for mass displacement. The military did not sufficiently explain why the complete evacuation of the camps was necessary for its objectives or whether alternative measures were considered. Their response indicated that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) had to operate for an extended period, dictated by operational needs and conditions on the ground.
An essential aspect of international humanitarian law prohibits the forced displacement of civilians in occupied territories, except under specific circumstances with safeguards. HRW argues that Israeli forces failed to comply with these legal obligations, including the provision of safe evacuation routes or adequate humanitarian assistance to those displaced.
The organization has called for investigations by both international bodies and domestic authorities under universal jurisdiction. They recommend targeted sanctions against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz, as well as military leaders involved in the operations.
This report may further complicate the situation for Israel as the International Criminal Court (ICC) has already opened investigations into alleged war crimes committed in the context of the ongoing conflict. In November 2024, the ICC issued arrest warrants for several Israeli leaders, adding to the pressure on the Israeli government regarding its military conduct in the region.
As this issue continues to unfold, the implications for international relations and humanitarian conditions in the West Bank remain serious and potentially far-reaching. Human Rights Watch emphasizes the need for accountability and adherence to international law to prevent further violations and displacement of civilian populations.
