NEW YORK, March 29, 2025 (WAFA) - UN Human Rights Office spokesperson, Thameen Al-Kheetan, expressed deep concern about the shrinking space for civilians in Gaza who are being forcibly displaced by the Israeli army from large swaths of territory.

“Since the resumption of its military campaign on 18 March, the Israeli army has issued 10 mandatory “evacuation orders”, covering large areas across all governorates of the Gaza strip.”

Of particular concern is northern Gaza, over half of which appears to be under such orders. Tens of thousands of Palestinians are reportedly trapped in Khan Younis and Rafah. Those who are displaced are not guaranteed safety. The Israeli army ordered the population from western Rafah to go to Al Mawasi, which has been reportedly bombarded, said the UN Human Rights Office spokesperson in a statement.

“These evacuations fail to comply with the requirements of international humanitarian law. Israel is not taking any measures to provide accommodation for the evacuated population, nor ensure that these evacuations are conducted in satisfactory conditions of hygiene, health, safety and nutrition.”

Civilians who have endured multiple displacement as a result of such orders are again faced with the stark choice of being displaced once more or staying and risking their lives and those of their loved ones, read the statement.

“We call on all parties to reach a permanent ceasefire as soon as possible. Israel must immediately end its blockade of humanitarian assistance and refrain from any acts amounting to forcible transfer of Gaza’s population. Forcible transfer is a serious violation of international humanitarian law and constitutes a crime under international law.”