A new report from the UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) details grave violations occurring in the occupied Palestinian territory between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. The findings raise serious concerns about potential ethnic cleansing in both Gaza and the West Bank, stemming from intensified attacks and forcible transfers.
Killing, Famine, and Destruction in Gaza
The report documents the continued killing and maiming of unprecedented numbers of civilians in Gaza by Israeli forces, alongside the spread of famine and the destruction of essential civilian infrastructure, including hospitals, schools, and homes. These actions are described as imposing conditions of life on Palestinians “increasingly incompatible with their continued existence in Gaza as a group.”
Patterns of attacks suggest Israeli forces may have intentionally targeted civilians and civilian objects, and launched attacks where the loss of life would be “clearly excessive in relation to the military advantage anticipated,” potentially constituting war crimes. At least 25,594 Palestinians were killed and 68,837 injured during the reporting period, according to Gaza health authorities whose reliability was confirmed by OHCHR.
More than 68,800 Palestinians have been killed, and 170,664 injured, since hostilities began on October 7, 2023, following attacks by Hamas on Israel. The actual death toll is likely higher due to individuals buried under rubble.
Death by Starvation
At least 463 Palestinians, including 157 children, died of starvation in Gaza during the reporting period. The report states that the famine and malnutrition were a “direct result of actions taken by the Israeli Government,” including blocking the entry and distribution of humanitarian aid.
The report emphasizes that using starvation as a method of warfare constitutes a war crime and may also be considered a crime against humanity. It states that if committed with the intent to destroy a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group, it could constitute genocide.
Use of Force in the West Bank
In the occupied West Bank, the report details the systematic unlawful use of force by Israeli security forces, including the use of warfare methods. It also notes widespread arbitrary arrest, torture, and ill-treatment of Palestinians in detention, as well as the destruction of property. These acts were reportedly used “to systematically discriminate, oppress, control and dominate the Palestinian people.”
The report also noted concerning incidents of unnecessary or disproportionate use of force by Palestinian Authority security forces during operations targeting individuals wanted by Israel.
Hostages as Bargaining Tools
Hamas and other Palestinian armed groups continued to hold Israeli and foreign hostages seized on October 7, 2023, along with the bodies of those who died in captivity, as bargaining tools. Videos and testimonies from released hostages indicate sexual and gender-based violence, torture, and ill-treatment, including beatings and deprivation of basic necessities.
Taking hostages and subjecting them to such treatment breaches international humanitarian law and amounts to war crimes, and potentially other atrocity crimes.
Impunity and Inaction
The report details a “pervasive climate of impunity” for human rights violations and serious violations of international humanitarian law by Israeli authorities in the occupied Palestinian territory, with no meaningful steps taken toward accountability. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stated, “Impunity is not abstract – it kills. Accountability is indispensable. It is the prerequisite for a just and durable peace in Palestine and Israel.”
Call for Justice
The report urges all States to cease the sale, transfer, and diversion of arms to Israel that could facilitate violations in the occupied Palestinian territory. While acknowledging efforts to advance a US-led peace plan, the report highlights the critical gap of a lack of accountability for violations since October 7, 2023. It insists that “justice for victims must lay the foundation for the reconstruction of Gaza” and calls for Palestinian participation in governance structures to shape the enclave’s reconstruction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What period does this report cover?
The report covers the period from November 1, 2024, to October 31, 2025.
What is the report’s primary concern regarding Gaza and the West Bank?
The report raises concerns over potential ethnic cleansing in both Gaza and the West Bank, stemming from intensified attacks and forcible transfers.
What does the report say about the use of starvation?
The report states that the use of starvation of the civilian population as a method of war constitutes a war crime and may also constitute crimes against humanity or genocide.
Given the report’s findings of potential war crimes and concerns about ethnic cleansing, what steps might the international community consider to address the situation and ensure accountability?
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