UN says Israeli actions raise 'ethnic cleansing' fears in West Bank, GazaThe UN human rights office pointed to what it said was the 'systematic use of unlawful force'. (Photo: AFP)GENEVA — Israel's increased attacks and forcible transfers of Palestinians "raise concerns over ethnic cleansing" in the Gaza Strip and West Bank, the United Nations (UN) reported on Thursday. "This, together with forcible transfers, which appear to aim at a permanent displacement, raise concerns over ethnic cleansing in Gaza and the West Bank." It highlighted the Israeli security forces' "systematic use of unlawful force" in the occupied West Bank and annexed East Jerusalem. These actions are altering "the character, status and demographic composition of the occupied West Bank, raising serious concerns of ethnic cleansing", it added.

Source: Bangkok Post February 19, 2026 14:50 UTC