EU Warns of Worsening Humanitarian Situation in Gaza Due to Forced Evacuations

Brussels, The European Union (EU) voiced its deep concern over the Israeli army orders to evacuate civilians from the area of Khan Younis. Some 250,000 people are impacted by the evacuation orders. EU warned of the worsening humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza due to the forced evacuation orders. Palestinian News Agency (WAFA) quoted an EU joint statement issued by High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell, and European Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Janez Lenarcic in which they emphasized that the evacuation orders threaten the sick patients from the European Hospital, including pregnant women and elderly people, who were forced to relocate to other facilities, such as the Nasser Hospital. Staff also tried to save medical equipment. This evacuation decision is certain to worsen overcrowding and cause severe shortages in the already overwhelmed remaining hospitals, at a time when access to emergency medical care is critical, the statement reads. The statement ad ded that the forced evacuations are creating a humanitarian crisis within the crisis. They exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian situation, with nearly 1.9 million Gazans displaced within the Strip, underlining that there are no facilities to accommodate people, and humanitarian partners struggle to meet the immense needs of the newly displaced. The European Union reiterates that for evacuations not to amount to prohibited forcible transfers, they must comport with International Humanitarian Law, guaranteeing safety in transit and proper accommodation in areas of refuge for Palestinians called on to evacuate. Israel is likewise responsible for guaranteeing that displaced persons can return to their homes, or areas of habitual residence, once hostilities end. Displaced people also need to have access to the necessary services and have their needs met. The statement stressed that the European Union recalls the obligation to respect and implement the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) of Jan. 26 and May 24, 2024, which are legally binding. Source: Qatar News Agency