From the Liveblog of
Thursday, February 19, 2026
UN: Israeli actions raising ‘ethnic cleansing’ fears in West Bank, Gaza; Israel dismisses report
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Israel’s actions “raise concerns over ethnic cleansing” in the Gaza Strip and the West Bank, the United Nations says.
The UN human rights office says the cumulative impact of Israel’s military conduct during the war against Hamas in Gaza, plus its blockade of the territory, had created living conditions “increasingly incompatible with Palestinians’ continued existence as a group in Gaza.”
“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 office says in a report.
“This, together with forcible transfers, which appear to aim at a permanent displacement, raise concerns over ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank.”
The report looks at the period between November 1, 2024, and October 31, 2025. A ceasefire took effect in Gaza in early October.
In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, the report says the “systematic use of unlawful force” by Israeli security forces, “widespread” arbitrary detention and the “extensive unlawful demolition” of Palestinian homes is being carried out to “systematically discriminate, oppress, control and dominate the Palestinian people.”
“These violations are “altering the character, status and demographic composition of the occupied West Bank, raising serious concerns of ethnic cleansing,” it says.
Israel’s permanent mission in Geneva dismisses the report’s findings about Israel’s actions, and says in a statement that the UN human rights office had lost its credibility.
“Office of the High Commissioner is engaged in a vicious campaign of demonization and disinformation against the State of Israel,” it says.
The Times of Israel Community.