UN Experts Condemn Israeli Attacks on Gaza Shelters and Forced Displacement in West Bank

A panel of 13 United Nations human rights experts issued a scathing joint statement condemning Israeli military attacks on sites sheltering displaced Palestinians in Gaza and a renewed pattern of forced displacement in the West Bank.

“United Nations experts have reiterated calls for an end to Israeli attacks on displaced Palestinians in Gaza as well as forced displacement measures in the occupied West Bank”

Al Jazeera

The experts warned that this cycle of displacement, terror, and targeted attacks serves an ultimate purpose: to make life unbearable for Palestinians and permanently force them from their land.

Al Jazeera

They described targeting areas known to shelter displaced civilians as a grave breach of international humanitarian law.

The statement detailed multiple incidents in March where Israeli strikes set tents of displaced Palestinians on fire, killing many.

The vast majority of Gaza's population has already been displaced multiple times which amounts to forcible transfer.

More than 36,000 Palestinians were forcibly displaced in the West Bank in 2025 amid expanding illegal settlement activity and intensifying violence.

The experts concluded by urging Israel to end all forcible transfer and facilitate the safe and voluntary return of displaced Palestinians.

The experts criticised the sharp escalation in forced displacement across the occupied West Bank, driven by the Israeli army and State-backed settler terrorism.

They documented daily attacks resulting in killing, injury, and harassment of women and children.

Anadolu Ajansı

Human Rights Watch detailed how Israeli forces systematically patrolled refugee camps, conducted raids on homes, looted properties, subjected residents to interrogations, and ultimately forced families to leave.

The largest displacement of Palestinians in the West Bank since 1967 occurred during the Iron Wall operation launched on January 21, 2025.

Satellite imagery revealed that in the first six months of the operation the Israeli army demolished 850 houses and other buildings in the three camps.

The experts warned that the scale and pattern of these actions shows once again the ongoing broader policy of ethnic cleansing across the occupied Palestinian territory.

The experts highlighted the grave health risks faced by civilians in tents and makeshift shelters.

“You no longer have a home here”

Human Rights Watch

Women and children bear a disproportionate share of deprivation.

The International Court of Justice 2024 Advisory Opinion and the General Assembly's 2024 Resolution urged Israel to bring to an end its unlawful presence by September 2025.

The experts reiterated their call on States to bring Israel's unlawful occupation to an end.

They warned that such practices constitute crimes against humanity under international law.