Ethnic cleansing

International law strictly prohibits the acts associated with ethnic cleansing, classifying them as severe violations of international humanitarian law and human rights law, which can constitute crimes against humanity, war crimes, or genocide.

Expulsion

International law, particularly International Humanitarian Law (IHL), largely prohibits belligerents from expelling civilians, viewing forced displacement as a serious war crime, except for specific, temporary measures based on "imperative military reasons" or civilian security, like assigned residence or internment, which must be humane and short-lived. Unlawful deportation or transfer of protected persons is a "grave breach" of Geneva Conventions and a crime under the Rome Statute. Belligerents must protect civilians, especially in occupied territories, and cannot simply expel them en masse.

Forced displacement/Forced eviction

International law, particularly International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and Human Rights Law, prohibits forced displacement as a general rule, calling it a war crime and a crime against humanity when committed during conflict, with very narrow exceptions for civilian safety or imperative military reasons, requiring safe return once conditions permit. Key instruments include the Geneva Conventions (Fourth Convention, Article 49) and the Rome Statute of the ICC, prohibiting deportations and forcible transfers, while Guiding Principles address internally displaced persons (IDPs). This law also regards forced eviction as a gross violation of human rights. This involves the removal of individuals, families, or communities from their homes or land against their will, without adequate legal or other protection.

• When acts and or activities by the Israeli war belligerent targeting the colonized people in Gaza are systematic, and or are on a large scale, we consider these acts and activities as shown in the 'breadcrumbs'. This does not include violations, which refer to breaches of rules and international law.

  • You are viewing a selection from our huge archives, but it is representative of the situation in Gaza since October 2023.
  • Dates refer to the day when a video or photo was posted on the account of a social media user, or published by a source in the public domain, when it concerns a publication.
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