The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) warned that orders issued by the Israeli occupation authorities to Gazans to leave their homes immediately, and the siege imposed on the Strip, depriving residents of food, water and electricity, are in violation of international humanitarian law.In a statement on Sunday, the ICRC said that when military forces order people to leave their homes, they must take all necessary measures to ensure that residents have access to basic necessities such as food and water, and that family members are not separated.The Gaza Strip, it noted, is a closed area, small in size and resources, and there are no safe places in Gaza that residents can take refuge in, and many of them will be unable to leave their homes, especially those with disabilities, the elderly, and the sick.International humanitarian law protects all civilians, including those who do not leave, and it is impossible for Gazans today to know which area will be next under attack, the ICRC stressed.It ind
icated that it is up-scaling its operations to provide relief to save lives, but its crews need periods of cessation of combat to be able to work safely and effectively, and humanitarian organizations, including the ICRC, will not be able to assist in such a massive displacement process in Gaza in light of the imposed military siege.”We are deeply concerned for our colleagues in Gaza and for their families,” the organization said, noting that its office in Gaza has received the same instructions to leave, as did other international organizations.It stressed its commitment to doing everything in its power to provide protection and humanitarian assistance to the residents of Gaza.
Source: Jordan News Agency