Dec. 20, 2024, 10:07 PM GMT+6
Palestinian women mourn at the morgue of Nasser Hospital following Israeli attacks in Khan Younis, southern Gaza on Wednesday.A new report from Doctors Without Borders (MSF) has accused Israel of carrying out "clear signs of ethnic cleansing" in Gaza as part of its ongoing military actions in the region. This marks the second condemnation of Israel’s conduct within a week, with MSF describing the situation in Gaza as a medical and humanitarian catastrophe. The aid group stated that its firsthand observations align with the views of legal experts and organizations that argue genocide is occurring in the region.
The report emphasizes the severity of the military offensive in the northern part of Gaza, describing it as indicative of the brutal nature of the Israeli forces' actions. It points to mass killings, physical and mental health injuries, forced displacements, and the dire conditions faced by Palestinians in Gaza under siege and bombardment. While MSF refrains from definitively establishing the intent behind these actions, it contends that the ongoing devastation and signs of ethnic cleansing are undeniable.
NBC News reached out to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for comment, but the military has previously denied accusations of genocide and ethnic cleansing, asserting that it takes measures to minimize civilian casualties. In a separate report, Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused Israel of deliberately depriving Palestinians in Gaza of access to essential water, resulting in widespread suffering and death.
The IDF spokesperson rejected HRW’s claims, stating that their strikes are conducted according to international law, with efforts to minimize harm to civilians. The spokesperson also mentioned efforts to restore water supplies by repairing infrastructure and reactivating desalination plants.
This latest criticism adds to a growing body of international condemnation. Earlier this month, Amnesty International also accused Israel of committing acts of genocide in Gaza. These claims echo those made by several United Nations agencies. In response to the allegations, Israel has firmly rejected the reports, labeling them "baseless."
The International Criminal Court (ICC) has issued arrest warrants against Israeli officials, including Prime Minister Netanyahu, for crimes against humanity. Israel has vehemently rejected the ICC’s charges, labeling them as "antisemitic" and "absurd." The conflict, which began with the October 7, 2023, terrorist attack by Hamas, has led to over 45,000 deaths in Gaza according to local officials.
The war, now in its 14th month, has seen a devastating toll on both sides, with a significant portion of Gaza's population facing displacement, deprivation, and death. Experts, such as Andreas Krieg from King’s College London, argue that Israel's actions could be understood as a form of ethnic cleansing, aiming to deprive Palestinians of basic resources like water and electricity, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.
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