EU imposes new sanctions on Israeli settlements in West Bank

International human‑rights organisations and several Palestinian advocacy groups have formally accused Israel of carrying out ethnic cleansing against Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. The allegations, filed in recent weeks, cite a pattern of forced evictions, demolition of homes, and restrictions on movement that the accusers say aim to alter the demographic composition of contested areas. The claims have been submitted to United Nations bodies and are being examined alongside ongoing investigations into alleged violations of international humanitarian law.

The groups point to specific incidents, including the demolition of over 1,200 structures in Area C of the West Bank since 2022, the displacement of thousands of families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighbourhood in East Jerusalem, and the large‑scale relocation of residents from the Gaza Strip following the 2023 conflict. Israeli officials have rejected the characterization of these policies as ethnic cleansing, describing them as security measures intended to counter terrorism and protect civilian populations. The Israeli government has also highlighted its legal processes for property claims and its commitment to rebuilding infrastructure in affected areas.

The accusations have prompted calls from the United Nations Human Rights Council for an independent fact‑finding mission to assess compliance with the Geneva Conventions. Both Israeli and Palestinian authorities have indicated a willingness to cooperate with any such inquiry, while diplomatic efforts continue to seek a broader resolution to the underlying conflict. The outcome of the investigations will shape international responses and potential legal actions in the months ahead.