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Forced migration

Israel's Acts in Gaza Strip Point to Ethnic Cleansing and Genocide, Says PACE Rapporteur

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, Saskia Kluit, Rapporteur of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), has strongly condemned Israel's acts in the Gaza Strip, comparing them to ethnic cleansing and genocide. Since March 2, 2025, Israel has imposed a full blockade of essential humanitarian supplies, leading to a tragic situation for the Palestinian population. Kluit stressed the need for immediate humanitarian aid, unconditionally and unhindered, to sustain the health of the population. She also urged Israel to respect its commitments under international law and grant independent access to humanitarian organizations. The situation has become so dire that plans to displace Palestinians from the Strip were met with denunciation by Kluit, who called on the international community to fulfill its duty in speaking the truth and following its legal obligations under the Geneva Conventions.

Key Takeaways:

  • Israel's acts in the Gaza Strip have been likened to ethnic cleansing and genocide by Saskia Kluit, PACE Rapporteur.
  • Since March 2, 2025, Israel has imposed a full blockade of essential humanitarian supplies, including food, clean water, medical care, and safe shelter.
  • The blockade has resulted in children dying from starvation, with the few goods being allowed in not reaching the most vulnerable.
  • Kluit urged Israel to immediately stop the killing of the population in Gaza and respect its commitments under international law.
  • Plans to displace Palestinians from the Strip have been denounced by Kluit, who called for the immediate withdrawal of such plans.
  • The international community has been urged to fulfill its duty in speaking the truth and following its legal obligations under the Geneva Conventions.
  • Kluit called on member states of the Council of Europe to do everything in their power to ensure a ceasefire is restored and international law is respected.

Statistics:

  • Since March 2, 2025, Israel has imposed a full blockade of essential humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip.
  • The number of children dying from starvation in Gaza is currently unknown, but Kluit emphasized the dire situation.
  • Only a few goods are being allowed into the Gaza Strip, which are not sufficient to feed the population.
  • The population of Gaza is confined to an ever-shrinking space, with no escape from bombings and attacks.
  • The so-called safety zones in Gaza offer no safety at all, with Kluit describing them as "a delusion."

Sources:

  • Palestine news and Information Agency - WAFA - English (23 May 2025)
  • Palestine news and Information Agency - WAFA - English (Source: Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe)

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