Haaretz, the country's most influential media outlet, has accused Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of carrying out 'ethnic cleansing' in Gaza.

The newspaper's editorial published on Sunday (November 10) accused Netanyahu and the Israeli military of carrying out a planned extermination program by evacuating certain populations in the northern part of Gaza.

Haaretz's military correspondent, who visited the area with Israeli forces last week, reported that the northern part of Gaza was in the grip of a natural disaster.

The newspaper editorial described it as a 'premeditated act of man-made destruction'.

Meanwhile, according to a Guardian report, the commander of the 162nd division of the Israeli army, Brigadier General Yitzhak Cohen, told reporters, "My job is to create a clean area... We are moving the Palestinian population to protect them, to ensure freedom for our forces."

However, when asked about the reference to the 'General's Plan', he said he was not aware of it. But it only says that the Israeli army is only acting under the command of the military chief.

Cohen added that his division was diverting humanitarian aid destined for the Palestinians to the south instead of delivering it to the northern part of Gaza.

Israeli forces have cut off the supply of food, water and medicine since a renewed offensive in northern Gaza in early October this year. As a result, the Palestinian people in the entire region, including Jabalia, Beit Lahia and Beit Hanoun, are facing a major humanitarian and food crisis.

In this regard, an independent organization called the Femin Review Committee (FRC) said on Saturday, "The possibility of famine in the northern part of Gaza is severe."

Meanwhile, UN Relief Works Agency (UNRWA) chief Filippe Lazzarini said Israel was using 'hunger as a weapon' against the people of Gaza.

He also described the impending famine as 'man-made'.

It is said in Haaretz's editorial, 'It is important to identify these issues by their proper names. The Gazan people are being forcibly expelled from the northern part of Gaza, which is being carried out under the direct direction of Netanyahu and his defense minister'.

The editorial in the Israeli newspaper also pointed out that the issue should be identified as "Netanyahu's Directive" rather than "General's Plan".

Basically, this report highlights the impact of Israel's attack and its serious consequences. Which can create a wide reaction in international circles.

Meanwhile, according to the data of the Palestinian Ministry of Health, 43,603 Palestinians have been killed and 1,02,929 injured in Gaza so far in the conflict that started on October 7, 2023.

Gaza's health care system is under extreme strain as the number of dead and wounded continues to rise in the ongoing conflict. Many hospitals and health centers are already short of supplies and doctors and health workers are struggling to help the injured.

The situation calls for urgent humanitarian assistance from the international community and calls for initiatives to end the conflict. Source: Middle East Eye