Erasure by design

Action For Humanity has released urgent findings from its latest report, Erasure By Design: Israel’s Genocidal Acts as Tools for Territorial Expansion in Gaza.

This research, among the first to emerge from Gaza since the bombardment began, sheds light on the life-threatening conditions deliberately inflicted on Palestinians as part of a larger pattern of territorial annexation.

The report reveals a devastating pattern of systematic displacement, relentless bombardment, and deprivation of basic resources, all of which undermine the survival of Gaza’s population. It uses testimonies from forcibly displaced Palestinians to expose the dire consequences of Israel’s so-called “evacuation orders” and the creation of “humanitarian zones.”

We use quotation marks around terms like “evacuation” and “humanitarian zone” because they are being manipulated to justify the forcible transfer of Palestinians, facilitate annexation, and create widespread fear— all while pretending to follow international law and humanitarian principles, a tactic known as “humanitarian camouflage.”

A Systematic Campaign of Displacement/The Reality in Gaza

Since October 2023, Israel’s actions—such as issuing over 65 evacuation orders and forcing the displacement of over 1 million Palestinians—have intensified, creating a humanitarian crisis that violates international law and has recently been termed a Crime Against Humanity. This is not a new phenomenon. These actions are part of a deliberate and long-standing policy of erasure that spans over 76 years of occupation.

Israel’s actions are not just about military operations but are part of a calculated plan to seize control of Gaza’s land. Israel now controls 26% of Gaza, with the destruction of vital infrastructure and the denial of humanitarian aid further ensuring the forced displacement of its people. This is genocide used as a tool for territorial expansion.

The findings of Erasure By Design paint a shocking picture of life in Gaza

Widespread Displacement

Over 98% of respondents were forcibly displaced multiple times, with some enduring up to 16 evacuation orders. These repetitive orders have provided no safety, forcing civilians to repeatedly move from one unsafe place to another, disrupting families, deepening trauma, and leaving many uncertain of where to go or what is safe.

Minimal Warning

35% of respondents received less than an hour’s notice to evacuate, often late at night, fuelling chaos and fear. A staggering 85% of respondents reported difficulty obtaining trustworthy updates about the so-called “evacuations.”  This information gap has created a climate of confusion and fear, leaving civilians without clear guidance.

Neglect of Vulnerable Groups

15% were unable to evacuate due to disabilities or caregiving responsibilities, exposing them to heightened risks. 45% of respondents could not access or afford transportation to evacuate. We can see that marginalised groups, in particular, are facing heightened risks.

“Humanitarian Zones” in Crisis

The so-called “humanitarian zones” set up by Israel report appalling conditions. 73% of displaced individuals in these zones say conditions are either poor or very poor. Four out of five have insufficient access to food, two-thirds face poor access to clean drinking water, and a similar number have no access to adequate medical care.

One displaced resident shared: “We wake up and go to sleep in fear of continuous bombings in the areas that were provided for safety, proving there is no safety and no security.”

What needs to change?

Under the Genocide Convention, the UK and other signatories are obligated to prevent and punish acts of genocide. Yet, as Gaza’s population faces systematic destruction, the UK’s response remains inadequate.

To address these atrocities, Erasure By Design outlines several urgent recommendations for the UK government. Some of these include:

1. Oppose Forcible Transfers and Annexation: Governments must unequivocally and publicly condemn Israel’s forcible transfer of Palestinians and the annexation of northern Gaza, ensuring that civilians are protected, and their urgent needs are met.
2. Ensure the Right of Return: Forced transfers must cease immediately. Israel must be compelled to facilitate the safe return of displaced Palestinians to their homes. International actors must monitor and enforce this process to ensure compliance and protect Palestinian communities’ right of return.
3. Suspend Arms Transfers: All arms transfers to Israel, including F-35 parts, must be immediately suspended to prevent the continuation of atrocities committed by Israeli forces.
4. Take Bold Legal Action: International actors must take concrete steps to ensure Israel complies with the International Court of Justice’s (ICJ) orders to prevent genocide and implement the Court’s Advisory Opinion. This includes refraining from aiding or assisting Israel’s unlawful occupation of Palestinian territory, working to rapidly end the occupation, and formally recognising Israel as a state carrying out apartheid policies.

The Time for Action Is Now

The international community, including countries like the UK, has a legal and moral responsibility to take action. With arrest warrants already issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for leaders—including Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu—for crimes against humanity, the time to act is now.

Read the Full Report

Explore the evidence and implications in Action For Humanity’s full report, available here: Erasure by Design.