Red Cross: Mass Evacuation of Gaza Impossible

The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross denounced today the Israeli plans for a mass evacuation of Gaza City, stressing that it is "impossible" to implement in a "safe and dignified" manner.

Mirjana Spoljaric stated that such an evacuation would cause a mass displacement of population that no zone in the Gaza Strip can absorb, given the extensive destruction and the shortages of food, water, shelter and medical care.

The Israeli army declared Gaza City a "dangerous combat zone," preparing for a large-scale attack, according to the wishes of the government of Benjamin Netanyahu. Although the evacuation of the city was not explicitly requested, a press representative called it "inevitable."

Spoljaric stressed that many civilians will not be able to obey an evacuation order due to hunger, illness or injury. If an evacuation order is given, Israel must ensure satisfactory housing, hygiene, safety and access to food, which are not currently met in Gaza.

According to the UN, approximately 1 million Palestinians are in Gaza City. Thousands of residents have already left the city after the attack by Hamas on Israel on October 7, 2023.

Source: APE-MPE