EU Raises Alarm Over Civilian Evacuations In Khan Younis By Israeli Army

The European Union has expressed serious concerns over the Israeli army's evacuation orders affecting civilians in Khan Younis. Approximately 250,000 people are impacted by these orders. The European Hospital, one of the few partially functioning hospitals in southern Gaza, is also under threat, according to a joint statement by High Representative Josep Borrell and Commissioner Janez Lenarčič.

The forced evacuations are worsening an already dire humanitarian situation. Nearly 1.9 million Gazans are displaced within the Strip, as noted by UN Senior Humanitarian Coordinator Sigrid Kaag in the Security Council. There are no facilities to accommodate these people, and humanitarian partners struggle to meet their immense needs.

"Injured and sick patients from the European Hospital, including pregnant women and elderly people, were forced to relocate to other facilities, such as the Nasser Hospital," stated Borrell and Lenarčič. "Staff also tried to save medical equipment. This evacuation decision is certain to worsen overcrowding and cause severe shortages in the already overwhelmed remaining hospitals at a time when access to emergency medical care is critical."

In response to the deteriorating situation, the European Union has activated all its crisis response and humanitarian tools to channel aid to Gaza. This includes medical supplies, drugs, medications, and a significant increase in EU funding for humanitarian partners. The statement emphasised that a ceasefire is crucial now as it would enable a surge of humanitarian assistance and facilitate the release of all hostages.

The statement highlighted that forced evacuations are creating a humanitarian crisis within an existing crisis. It exacerbates an already catastrophic situation with nearly 1.9 million Gazans displaced within the Strip. There are no facilities to accommodate people, and humanitarian partners struggle to meet their immense needs.

Legal Obligations

The European Union recalls the obligation to respect and implement orders from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) dated 26th January and 24 May 2024, which are legally binding. "Israel is likewise responsible for guaranteeing that displaced persons can return to their homes or areas of habitual residence once hostilities end," added Borrell and Lenarčič. Displaced people also need access to necessary services and have their needs met.

The joint statement stressed that forced evacuations are worsening overcrowding and causing severe shortages in already overwhelmed hospitals at a time when emergency medical care is critical.

This situation underscores the urgent need for a ceasefire which would allow for increased humanitarian aid flow into Gaza and help address the severe shortages faced by remaining hospitals.

With inputs from WAM