The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) contend that a Human Rights Watch (HRW) report on the displacement of Palestinians is inaccurate and misleading.
The IDF accuses HRW of exhibiting anti-Israel bias and distorting facts in its report, which alleges that Israel’s actions constitute a crime against humanity. The report details extensive destruction in Gaza over 13 months, resulting in the displacement of approximately 1.9 million Palestinians, according to the UN.
The IDF refutes these accusations, stating the report misrepresents its efforts to minimize civilian harm. The 154-page report, based on interviews, satellite imagery, and analysis of 184 evacuation orders, is, according to the IDF and the Times of Israel, consistent with a pattern of anti-Israel bias and factual inaccuracies.
While the IDF maintains that evacuation warnings adhered to international law, HRW found these warnings inconsistent, inaccurate, and often insufficiently communicated to allow for safe evacuations.
“Israel’s actions are unacceptable given the deaths along escape routes, bombing of safe zones, and cutting off essential resources,” stated Nadia Hardman, a HRW researcher.
“Israel has clearly violated its obligation to ensure the safe return of Palestinians, destroying homes and infrastructure on a massive scale.”
The IDF counters that the report selectively presents information, obscuring context and containing misrepresentations.
HRW also alleges that Israel severely restricted humanitarian aid, water, electricity, and fuel to civilians, and damaged vital infrastructure such as hospitals and bakeries.
An Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson stated on social media that the report relied on Hamas-controlled sources and that Israel’s actions target Hamas’ capabilities, not the Gazan population.
Israel launched its operation in Gaza in response to a Hamas cross-border attack in October 2023, which resulted in at least 1,200 deaths and 250 hostages. Subsequent IDF bombardments and ground incursions have reportedly resulted in at least 43,000 deaths.