UN warns of ethnic cleansing as Israeli forces shrink Gaza space

The UN human rights office warned on Friday that Israeli forces are pushing Palestinians into shrinking areas while destroying infrastructure. OHCHR expressed deep concern over potential ethnic cleansing as military operations continue to displace civilians across the Gaza Strip repeatedly.

OHCHR stated that Israel aims to increase its military deployment area to 70 per cent of Gaza’s territory. This relentless contraction of living space has caused new displacement in zones adjacent to the demarcation boundary known locally as the yellow line.

Over the past two weeks, the office documented westward expansion of Israeli military zones in Al Shujaiyeh. It also noted expansions in eastern Al Bureij, eastern Deir Al-Balah and eastern Al Maghazi in Middle Gaza during this specific period.

In Al Shujaiyeh, reports indicated at least two attacks on displacement camps. Forces reportedly used explosive robots to detonate remaining buildings. A drone strike on tents near the yellow line on 25 October caused a fire that burned for five hours.

The Palestinian Ministry of Public Works and Housing said the fire displaced 200 families comprising 800 people. Most of those affected were women, children and older persons who had already been forced from their original homes previously.

Ajith Sunghay, Head of UN Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described the situation as acute and chronic. He noted that displaced persons have little prospect of return because most areas remain inaccessible beyond the so-called yellow line.