UN probe accuses Israel of wanting to permanently control Gaza, ensure Jewish majority in West Bank

By Reuters 23 September 2025, 5:56 pm

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Israeli security forces near the scene where two Israeli soldiers were killed in a stabbing and shooting attack at the Allenby Crossing between the West Bank and Jordan, September 18, 2025. (Oren Ben Hakoon/Flash90)

GENEVA, Switzerland — The Israeli government has shown a clear intent to establish permanent control over Gaza and to ensure a Jewish majority in the West Bank, a United Nations Commission of Inquiry says.

The UN report accuses Israel of extensive, systematic demolition of civilian infrastructure in Gaza’s corridors and buffer zone — resulting in Israel expanding control to 75 percent of the Gaza Strip by July this year.

Israel has said it seeks to minimize civilian fatalities and stresses that Hamas uses Gaza’s civilians as human shields, fighting from civilian areas, including homes, hospitals, schools and mosques.

Times of Israel staff contributed to this report.