UN warns of ethnic cleansing risk in Hebron as Israel rejects UN crimes report

The UN warned Monday of a risk of "ethnic cleansing" in Hebron, occupied West Bank, and a commission accused Israel of crimes against humanity there. Israel rejected the accusations and demanded the commission's dissolution. UN High Commissioner Volker Türk said collective punishment violates international law after Israel launched a major operation following the deaths of two soldiers. The operation has displaced 3,189 people, including 209 children under two and 258 people aged 60 or older. The UN commission's report cites crimes including extermination, torture, and persecution. It noted 254 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since October 7, 2023, versus six previously. Israel called the report "propaganda" disconnected from reality.