The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) and 11 of the world’s largest humanitarian organizations have warned of an unprecedented humanitarian crisis in Gaza amid looming Israeli land incursion.’We are alarmed by Israel’s call for over a million Palestinians to leave northern Gaza in less than 24 hours,’ said the organization in their urgent plea. ‘Israel must rescind this order immediately.’They said that demands for the population in its entirety to relocate in such an immediate manner put at risk the lives of those forced to flee particularly since the Israel government has not provided any assurances for their safety while in transit or for the safety of civilians remaining in the Gaza Strip as fighting continues.Humanitarian agencies operating in Gaza are reporting an unfolding humanitarian crisis on an unprecedented scale. There are not adequate facilities to safely accommodate residents from northern Gaza, and their safety remains jeopardized as Israeli airstrikes persistently target central and souther
n Gaza.’A forced relocation without any guarantees of safety or return and without providing for the needs of the protected population, risks amounting to forcible transfer, which is a grave breach of international humanitarian law and codified as a war crime. Israel is bound by international law to ensure the protection of all persons there from harm, and ensure that they are adequately supplied, including by agreeing and facilitating, relief schemes,’ said the organizations, calling for the international community ‘to unequivocally uphold international law and prioritize the protection of civilians to avert further suffering and loss of human life.’The said world leaders must:Demand that the Government of Israel immediately rescind its order;Demand that all parties agree to an immediate cessation of hostilities;Demand to stop the use of explosive weapons in populated areas in addition to the targeting of civilians, of inviolable UN premises, schools and hospitals where civilians shelter;Facilitate the provi
sion of essential and life-saving relief assistance, including food, water, and medical supplies and care and access of humanitarian personnel into Gaza; andImmediately facilitate medical evacuations for children and families who require it in either Egypt, the West Bank or Israel.
Source: Palestine news and Information Agency – WAFA