Israeli forces escalated their atrocities during 2025, involving war crimes, crimes against humanity, and acts of genocide against Palestinian civilians across the region. Furthermore, Human Rights Watch released these findings in its World Report 2026, highlighting a scale of destruction unprecedented in recent history.
Human Rights Watch documented that the military campaign in Gaza resulted in the deaths of over 69,000 Palestinians, including 19,000 children. Consequently, the rules-based international order is now under assault amid the widespread carnage and destruction throughout the Gaza Strip. Although an October ceasefire led to the release of several hostages and detainees, grave abuses like apartheid and persecution still persist.
Starvation and Infrastructure Demolition
Israeli authorities used starvation as a weapon of war by imposing a total blockade on Gaza for more than eleven consecutive weeks. Subsequently, global food experts declared a famine in Gaza City during August because the military heavily restricted the delivery of vital aid. In May, Israeli forces renewed an assault that demolished most of the remaining civilian infrastructure while gunning down hundreds seeking food assistance. These victims were often attacked near distribution sites managed by private contractors under the auspices of the US-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation.
Displacement and Violence in the West Bank
Additionally, operations in the northern West Bank emptied three refugee camps, which forcibly displaced approximately 32,000 people earlier in the year. Authorities blocked residents from returning to their homes, marking the largest displacement event in the West Bank since the year 1967. Israeli settler violence reached an eighteen-year high in 2025, with more than 2,660 documented incidents resulting in casualties or property damage. Moreover, the Palestinian Authority escalated its repression of dissent while Hamas carried out summary executions of suspected collaborators after the ceasefire.
The Challenge of a Generation
Executive Director Philippe Bolopion warned that rights-respecting democracies must build strategic alliances to defend fundamental freedoms against a rising global authoritarian wave. He specifically noted that the human rights system faces unprecedented threats from various global powers and the current United States administration. Adam Coogle stated that the ceasefire has not stopped these crimes, nor should it stop countries from taking urgent legal action. Breaking this authoritarian wave remains the challenge of a generation as the international community struggles to ensure justice for ongoing abuses.
Questions and Answers
How many children were killed during the campaign in Gaza?
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, the conflict resulted in the tragic deaths of more than 19,000 children as of late 2025.
What triggered the famine declaration in Gaza City?
Foremost experts on food insecurity declared a famine in August 2025 after Israel imposed blockades and heavily restricted humanitarian aid deliveries.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the significance of the October ceasefire?
The ceasefire led to the release of the remaining living Israeli hostages and hundreds of Palestinians, but systematic abuses still continue.
How many people were displaced in the West Bank?
Israeli operations in the northern West Bank forcibly displaced around 32,000 people, which Human Rights Watch labeled as ethnic cleansing.
What is the World Report 2026?
It is the 36th edition of the Human Rights Watch review, which examines the human rights practices in over 100 countries.