By Elham Asaad Buaras
London, (The Muslim News): US Democratic Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has accused Israel of attempting to ethnically cleanse Palestinians from Gaza, as Israeli forces push ahead with a full-scale invasion of the besieged enclave, prompting widespread international condemnation.
“Israeli forces have begun a full-scale invasion to ethnically cleanse all Palestinians from Gaza,” wrote Tlaib, the first Palestinian-American woman elected to the US Congress, on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) on Monday.
She added: “War criminal Netanyahu announced plans to forcibly expel the entire population and permanently occupy the land. This is the final stage of their genocide. World leaders must impose sanctions and a full arms embargo.”
Tlaib’s remarks came hours after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that his forces would take control of “all of Gaza”, signalling an escalation of the months-long military campaign that has drawn increasing censure from governments, aid organisations, and rights groups.
Death toll mounts as civilians trapped
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, at least 53,486 Palestinians have been killed since Israel’s offensive began in October 2023, with 136 bodies recovered in the last 24 hours. The total number of injured now stands at 121,398, while thousands remain unaccounted for beneath the rubble.
“Many victims are still trapped under the rubble and on the roads as rescuers are unable to reach them,” the ministry said in a statement.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that more than 97,000 Palestinians have been displaced in the last four days alone, warning that forced displacement had become a “constant” in Gaza.
“Humanitarian aid must never be used to influence the movement of people,” the UN agency warned, reiterating its call for an immediate ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access.
Israel has kept all crossings into Gaza closed since 2 March, exacerbating what aid agencies have described as an “unliveable” situation. On Sunday, Netanyahu’s office said a “basic quantity of food” would be allowed in to avoid famine – a move slammed by critics as woefully inadequate.
UK, France, and Canada warn of ‘concrete actions’
In a rare joint statement issued on Monday, the United Kingdom, France, and Canada sharply criticised Israel’s continued military operations, describing them as “wholly disproportionate” and raising concerns about breaches of international humanitarian law.
“We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel’s military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable,” the statement read.
“Yesterday’s announcement that Israel will allow a basic quantity of food into Gaza is wholly inadequate.”
The three nations also condemned recent remarks made by members of the Israeli government, accusing them of using “abhorrent language” that suggested Gazans may soon be forced into permanent displacement.
“Permanent forced displacement is a breach of international humanitarian law,” the statement stressed.
The leaders warned that if Israel does not halt its renewed military offensive and lift restrictions on humanitarian aid, they would be forced to take “further concrete actions”.
Famine fears grow as aid blocked
The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, warned that Gaza is “on the brink of famine” as Israel continues to block the entry of aid into the territory.
“Tonnes of food [are] blocked at the border, just minutes away,” he said. “The risk of famine in Gaza is increasing with the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid.”
His concerns were echoed by a group of 22 mainly European countries, including France and Germany, who, in a separate joint statement, said that Gaza’s population “faces starvation” and “must receive the aid they desperately need”.
Even US President Donald Trump commented on the humanitarian emergency last week, acknowledging that “a lot of people are starving” in Gaza and adding: “We’re going to get that taken care of.”
Legal and moral scrutiny intensifies
International legal experts have raised alarm over the mounting civilian death toll and worsening humanitarian crisis, urging investigations into possible war crimes. Rights groups argue that Israel’s tactics amount to collective punishment and violate key provisions of the Geneva Conventions.
“This is no longer just a military campaign — it is a humanitarian catastrophe that demands immediate and unequivocal international action,” said one aid official.
[Photo: Palestinians, with their belongings once again forced to flee to the coastal area of al-Mawasi after the Israeli army ordered the evacuation of a large area announcing that they would launch an attack on Khan Yunis, Gaza on May 19, 2025. Photojournalist: Abed Rahim Khatib/AA]
