Gaza:The UN Human Rights Office in the Occupied Palestinian Territory has issued a warning regarding ongoing risks of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. The warning highlights the escalation of Israeli military activities, the destruction of civilian infrastructure, and the forced displacement of Palestinians into increasingly confined areas.

According to Qatar News Agency, a report released on Friday by the UN office detailed the expansion of Israeli forces westward, with an objective to extend their presence across 70 percent of the Gaza Strip. It noted heightened military activity in neighborhoods such as Shujaiya and the eastern regions of Bureij, Deir Al Balah, and Maghazi over the past two weeks.

The report further documented attacks on displacement camps, notably a drone strike on 25 October in Shujaiya that targeted tents sheltering displaced families. The attack resulted in a fire lasting around five hours, displacing 200 families, or approximately 800 individuals.

Ajith Sunghay, Head of the UN Office, characterized the displacement situation in Gaza as both acute and chronic. He expressed concern over the limited chances for residents to return to their homes, underscoring the severity of the situation.

The UN office has urged the Israeli occupation to halt the forced transfer of Palestinians, warning that such actions could be considered war crimes and potentially crimes against humanity. It also highlighted the restrictions on humanitarian aid and shelter supplies, which leave thousands of displaced families in inadequate tents amid ongoing bombardment.

Sunghay pointed out that many Palestinians are enduring their fourth year of displacement and facing another winter in precarious shelters. He expressed hope that the upcoming winter would be the last one spent under such dire conditions.