Israel’s Blockade of Gaza Amounts to Crimes against Humanity: UN
Spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said in the Swiss city of Geneva on Tuesday that the forced relocation of civilians has been classed as a crime against humanity and is punishable by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
“We are concerned that this order, combined with the imposition of a complete siege of Gaza, may not be considered as lawful temporary evacuation and would therefore amount to a forcible transfer of civilians in breach of international law,” she said.
“Those who managed to comply with the Israeli authorities’ order to evacuate are now trapped in the south of the Gaza Strip, with scant shelter, fast-depleting food supplies, little or no access to clean water, sanitation, medicine and other basic needs,” Shamdasani said.
"We have grave fears about the toll on civilians in the coming days. Military operations show no signs of abating."
On October 12, Israel ordered 1.1 million people in the north of Gaza to evacuate and move south of the enclave as the regime forces prepare for a ground invasion of the besieged Gaza Strip.
Israel’s bombardment has already pushed Palestinians in the besieged enclave into smaller areas and spaces.
"International law requires that any lawful temporary evacuation by Israel, as the occupying power, of an area on the basis of the security of the population or imperative military reasons, must be accompanied by the provision of proper accommodation for all evacuees," Shamdasani said
The total death toll from Israel’s aggression against the Gaza Strip has risen to some 3,500, with over 1,000 children among the victims. About 12,500 have been injured since Israeli air raids began.
Source: Press TV
