The Israeli military has issued 21 “evacuation orders” since March 18, leading to the forcible transfer of Palestinians in Gaza into increasingly cramped areas with limited access to basic services. These orders have raised concerns about Israel’s intentions to permanently displace civilians and create a “buffer zone.” The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights says that this amounts to a grave breach of the Fourth Geneva Convention and a crime against humanity.
Meanwhile, Israeli strikes on residential buildings and tents have resulted in hundreds of incidents, with most fatalities being women and children. A recent strike killed four people, including a four-year-old boy, despite instructions from the military to relocate to a safe area. Journalists have also been targeted, with one journalist killed and nine wounded during an airstrike on Khan Younis.
The UN is concerned about Israel’s compliance with international humanitarian law, particularly the principles of distinction, proportionality, and precaution in attack. The Israeli closure of Gaza’s crossings has prevented food, water, and medicine from entering the territory for six weeks, raising concerns about collective punishment and starvation as methods of war.
UN High Commissioner Volker Türk emphasizes that there is no military path out of this crisis and that a ceasefire is essential. A political settlement based on two states living side by side in equal dignity and rights is the only way forward. The UN calls for the immediate release of hostages and those arbitrarily detained, as well as an end to repression of Palestinian protests.
Source: https://www.ohchr.org/en/press-briefing-notes/2025/04/gaza-increasing-israeli-evacuation-orders-lead-forcible-transfer