(MENAFN) Former Israeli Defense Minister Moshe Yaalon has accused Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of planning the “ethnic cleansing” of Gaza and claimed that Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) are committing war crimes in the region. Yaalon criticized Israel's military campaign in Gaza, which has been ongoing for over a year, resulting in nearly 45,000 deaths and widespread displacement. He suggested that the recent evacuation orders in northern Gaza were a cover for the ongoing ethnic cleansing of Palestinians. Yaalon, who previously served as the IDF chief of staff and as Netanyahu’s defense minister, condemned the actions, citing reports from IDF commanders in Gaza.

The accusations come amid rising tensions over Israel’s long-term plans for Gaza, with some cabinet members pushing for the resettlement of the territory. The International Criminal Court has already issued arrest warrants for Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, accusing them of crimes against humanity. The IDF rejected Yaalon’s claims, asserting that evacuation orders are issued temporarily and based on operational needs.

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