UN accuses Israel of war crimes as Gaza awaits Israeli election results

A UN commission has accused Israel of committing war crimes and genocide in the occupied Palestinian territories, releasing its findings on the eve of crucial Israeli elections. The report details a significant escalation in violence in the West Bank, where over 1,080 Palestinians have been killed since October 2023. This surge contrasts with the situation in Gaza, where residents are caught between hope for political change and despair over continued destruction.

West Bank Violence

The UN investigation highlights that deaths in the West Bank have reached their highest levels since 2005. Between October 2023 and September 2026, 1,080 Palestinians were killed and nearly 11,000 injured by Israeli forces. The commission attributes this to a strategy aimed at displacing Palestinians, noting that military operations since January 2025 have displaced over 34,000 people—the largest movement since 1967. Recent aggressive actions in Hebron alone forced 2,000 residents from their homes.

Gaza’s Political Hopelessness

In Gaza, the human cost remains staggering. Local health authorities report that more than 74,500 Gazans have been killed since the war began, including over 20,000 children. Despite a ceasefire allegedly in place since October 2025, over 1.5 million people remain displaced. Gazatíes express divergent views on the upcoming Israeli vote. Some, like Mahmud abu Oda, hope opposition leader Gadi Eizenkot’s potential rise could bring a technocratic government and reconstruction. Others, such as Mohamed Jairy, argue that all major Israeli parties share similar occupation policies, rendering the election outcome irrelevant for Palestinian lives.

Election Implications

Polls suggest Eizenkot may secure 22–23 seats, narrowly ahead of Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud party. However, Eizenkot would likely need support from Arab parties to govern. While some Palestinians pin hopes on Eizenkot’s stated adherence to Trump’s peace plan, others remain skeptical given the coalition dynamics. The UN report warns that intentional attacks on civilians and destruction of housing form part of a broader strategy to impose uninhabitable conditions.