A former chief of staff to the Israeli army has accused Israel of going down the path of ethnic cleansing in Gaza.

Speaking to Israeli media, former Defence Minister Moshe Ya'alon said Israel's campaign in Gaza will lead to the country's destruction if it continues.

“The path we are being dragged down is occupation, annexation and ethnic cleansing in the Gaza Strip,” the prominent government critic told Democrat TV.

“Transfer, call it what you want, and Jewish settlements.