Forced displacement in the West Bank could be ‘crime against humanity’, says UN report

A United Nations report released on Friday warned that the forced displacement of entire populations from three refugee camps in the West Bank could amount to crimes against humanity. The assessment focuses on actions taken by Israeli authorities in the camps of Jenin, Nur Shams and Tulkarm during January 2025.

According to the report, more than 33,000 Palestinians were compelled to leave their homes in the three camps and have not been allowed to return. The displacement was carried out in a coordinated manner, affecting all residents of the camps and resulting in the loss of housing, property and access to basic services for the affected families.

The UN analysis characterises the forced removals as potentially constituting “ethnic cleansing” and states that the scale and intent of the operation could meet the legal threshold for crimes against humanity under international law. The document calls for further investigation and accountability for the actions taken.

The Israeli government rejected the findings, describing the report as spreading misinformation. Israeli officials argued that the displacement was conducted for security reasons and that the allegations of ethnic cleansing and crimes against humanity are unfounded.

The report adds to ongoing international scrutiny of Israeli policies in the occupied West Bank, highlighting concerns over the humanitarian impact of large‑scale population movements and the legal responsibilities of occupying powers under international conventions.