Brussels /PNN /
The European Union has voiced deep concern regarding the Israeli army's orders to evacuate civilians from the Khan Younis area in Gaza. In a joint statement, High Representative/Vice-President Josep Borrell and Commissioner for Crisis Management Janez Lenarčič highlighted the severe impact on approximately 250,000 people affected by these evacuation orders.
The European Hospital, one of the few partially functioning hospitals in southern Gaza, is among the institutions impacted. Patients, including pregnant women and the elderly, have been forced to relocate to other facilities such as Nasser Hospital, exacerbating overcrowding and severe shortages in the remaining hospitals. This comes at a critical time when access to emergency medical care is essential.
The forced evacuations are contributing to an escalating humanitarian crisis. UN Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, reported to the Security Council that nearly 1.9 million Gazans have been displaced within the Strip. The situation is dire, with insufficient facilities to accommodate the displaced and humanitarian partners struggling to meet their immense needs.
The European Union emphasizes that evacuations must adhere to International Humanitarian Law to avoid being classified as prohibited forcible transfers. This includes ensuring safety during transit and proper accommodation for Palestinians. Israel bears responsibility for guaranteeing that displaced individuals can return to their homes or areas of habitual residence once hostilities cease and that they have access to necessary services.
In response to the worsening situation, the European Union has mobilized all its crisis response and humanitarian tools to deliver aid to Gaza, including medical supplies and significant increases in EU funding to humanitarian partners.
The EU calls for an immediate ceasefire to facilitate a surge in humanitarian assistance to Gaza and the release of all hostages. The Union also underscores the obligation to respect and implement the legally binding orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) from January 26 and May 24, 2024.
The European Union fully supports the comprehensive roadmap presented by President Biden and urges the immediate implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution 2735, along with resolutions 2728, 2720, and 2712.
