Almost 2 million Palestinians have been forcibly displaced within Gaza, with reports indicating Israeli plans for mass displacement outside of Gaza itself. This humanitarian catastrophe must be addressed urgently within the framework of international law and human rights principles.
Forced displacement, as observed in Gaza, violates international humanitarian law, notably Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the forcible transfer of protected persons by an occupying power. Israel’s actions, including the issuance of “evacuation” orders covering vast areas of Gaza, have resulted in the displacement of an estimated 85% of Gaza’s population. Families have been displaced multiple times, exacerbating the already dire situation. The lack of safe routes and clear destinations for displaced persons raises concerns about their right to return and constitutes forcible transfer.
We remain horrified about the prospect of a full ground invasion in Rafah, which would be utterly catastrophic for the more than 1.5 million people currently staying in Rafah, including more than one million displaced people seeking shelter there. People in Rafah have nowhere to go, as the north and middle areas of Gaza are under daily bombardments. Reports[i] of Israeli plans to permanently relocate Palestinians from Gaza to other territories, such as the Sinai Peninsula or third countries, are alarming.
In response to these grave concerns, we call upon governments around the world, including Ireland, to do everything in their power to:
We urge the international community to take decisive action to address the plight of Palestinians in Gaza and uphold their rights under international law.
Yours sincerely,
Karol Balfe, ActionAid Ireland
Rosamond Bennett, Christian Aid Ireland
Dr Gearóid Ó Cuinn, The Global Legal Action Network (GLAN)
Jim Clarken, Oxfam Ireland
Paul O’Brien, Plan International Ireland
Eamonn Meehan, Sadaka, The Ireland Palestine Alliance
Caoimhe de Barra, Trócaire
