Human Rights Watch Accuses Israel of War Crimes in West Bank Expulsions
Ramallah, West bank – November 20, 2025 – Human Rights Watch today accused Israeli authorities of committing war crimes through the forced displacement of Palestinians from the northern West Bank village of Khirbet al-Rasoul, alleging actions constituting a deliberate attack against a civilian population. The association’s report details the demolition of homes and infrastructure on November 13, 2025, rendering approximately 68 peopel homeless, and alleges these actions violate international humanitarian law.
The expulsions, occurring amidst heightened tensions and a surge in settler violence, raise serious concerns about escalating human rights abuses and the potential for further displacement in the occupied West Bank. This incident underscores a pattern of unlawful demolitions and forced transfers, impacting the lives of vulnerable Palestinian communities and jeopardizing prospects for a peaceful resolution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The report calls for accountability for those responsible and demands an end to the practice of forcibly displacing Palestinians.
According to the human rights Watch investigation, Israeli forces demolished 14 residential structures, including shelters provided by international aid organizations, along with essential infrastructure like water tanks and solar panels. The demolitions followed a military order declaring the area a closed military zone, effectively preventing residents from returning.
“Destroying homes and essential infrastructure to force people off their land is a war crime,” stated omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights watch. “Israeli authorities are not only making life unbearable for Palestinians in the West Bank, but are actively committing crimes to achieve their goals.”
the report highlights that the demolitions occurred despite the absence of any legitimate military necessity. Human Rights Watch found no evidence suggesting the area posed a threat to Israeli security, leading the organization to conclude the actions were intended to consolidate Israeli control over the land and facilitate the expansion of nearby settlements.
International law prohibits the forced displacement of civilians, except in cases of military necessity that are proportionate and respect the rights of those affected. Human Rights Watch asserts that the Khirbet al-Rasoul demolitions fail to meet these criteria and constitute a deliberate violation of the Rome Statute, the treaty establishing the International Criminal Court.
The organization is urging the International Criminal Court to investigate these alleged war crimes as part of its ongoing investigation into the situation in Palestine.It also calls on Israel to immediately cease all forced displacement and unlawful demolitions in the occupied West Bank and to hold accountable those responsible for these abuses.
