media release
Geneva: 26th Dec
In a stark condemnation, Paula Gaviria Betancur, the UN Special Rapporteur on the human rights of internally displaced persons (IDPs), issued a grave warning today regarding Israel’s actions in Gaza. Gaviria Betancur accused Israel of attempting to permanently reshape the demographic composition of Gaza through an expanding series of evacuation orders and systematic attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure in the southern areas of the besieged enclave.
Expressing deep concern, Gaviria Betancur highlighted that Israel had reneged on safety assurances given to those who complied with the evacuation order in northern Gaza two months ago. These individuals, alongside the population of southern Gaza, now face forced displacement again.
Gaviria Betancur questioned the future for the people of Gaza, stating, “Where will the people of Gaza have left to go tomorrow?” She asserted that the ongoing evacuation orders and military operations suggest a larger goal of mass deportation by Israel.
The UN expert emphasized the extensive destruction of Gaza’s housing and civilian infrastructure, making it nearly impossible for displaced Gazans to return home. This, she argued, perpetuates a long history of mass forced displacement of Palestinians by Israel.
Since October 7, 1.9 million people, constituting 85 percent of Gaza’s population, have been internally displaced. Evacuation orders have confined them to less than one-third of the Gaza Strip’s territory, resulting in overcrowded conditions, rising communicable diseases, and challenges in accessing basic necessities such as food, water, electricity, healthcare, sanitation, and shelter, with the situation expected to worsen with the onset of winter.
Gaviria Betancur stressed the untenable situation for IDPs, especially vulnerable groups such as women, children (including unaccompanied minors), older persons, and those with serious medical conditions and disabilities.
Urging the international community, and Israel’s allies in particular, to acknowledge the blatant disregard for international humanitarian and human rights law, Gaviria Betancur pointed out that the principles of proportionality and distinction between civilians and combatants have been completely disregarded. Hospitals, schools, and shelters have been targeted without credible evidence of military objectives, leading to a significant loss of life and injuries to civilians.
“Civilians in areas under evacuation order, as well as in so-called ‘safe zones’ unilaterally designated by Israeli forces against international humanitarian law, have been the target of indiscriminate attacks which have killed nearly 19,000 Palestinians and injured over 51,000,” the UN expert stated, emphatically declaring, “There is no safe place in Gaza.”
The inaccuracies, contradictions, and dependencies on unreliable electricity and telecommunication networks in evacuation orders issued by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) were highlighted. Gaviria Betancur reminded that, under international law, individuals not complying with evacuation orders retain their right to protection.
Drawing attention to Israel’s alleged failure to honor its obligations under international law, Gaviria Betancur cited the illegal blockade and restrictions on humanitarian aid, leaving IDPs in appalling conditions. She emphasized the urgent need for the reopening of the Kerem Shalom border crossing to address the severe risk of the humanitarian system in Gaza collapsing, as warned by the Secretary-General.
The UN expert reiterated concerns that Israel’s actions amount to war crimes, specifically collective punishment and forcible transfer. In a strong call to action, Gaviria Betancur urged Israel to immediately cease attacks on civilians, halt the campaign of mass forced displacement, implement a permanent ceasefire, allow unrestricted passage of humanitarian aid, and prioritize dialogue to secure the safe release of remaining hostages.
