Voice of America News reports: “While fighting continued in Gaza and Lebanon on Thursday, Human Rights Watch issued a report accusing Israel of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

The report said Israeli officials who have repeatedly displaced and relocated civilians are ‘committing the war crime of forcible transfer,’ and the actions ‘appear to also meet the definition of ethnic cleansing’ in the areas where Palestinians will not be able to return.

‘Human Rights Watch found that forced displacement has been widespread, and the evidence shows it has been systematic and part of a state policy. Such acts also constitute crimes against humanity,’ the report said.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military or foreign ministry, but Israeli authorities have previously said their military actions are in compliance with international laws.

The law of armed conflict forbids the forcible displacement of civilian populations from occupied territory, unless necessary for the security of civilians or imperative military reasons.

Israel has said the displacement is necessary to keep civilians safe from fighting or to achieve military objectives…”