<h1>Allegations of potential genocide and IHL violations after military assault on populated city causing mass deaths, displacement</h1> Military forces from a state advanced into a densely populated city in an occupied territory, conducting air, artillery and ground strikes that toppled buildings, severed communications and displaced an estimated vast majority of residents; local health authorities report tens of thousands killed and many more wounded, while hospitals and civilians have been hit. Aid groups and a UN panel have alleged potential genocide and urged states to use political, economic and legal tools; the state denies targeting protected communications or committing genocide and says it targets a militant organization embedded in civilian areas. International humanitarian law issues include proportionality, distinction, protection of medical facilities, forced displacement and obligations to investigate.