The United Nations Human Rights Office has issued a warning regarding the situation in northern Gaza, where Israel has been conducting an intense military offensive. The UN has raised concerns about the possibility of a large-scale forced transfer of the civilian population, which it deems as a potential war crime.
According to reports, the Israeli military has ordered all civilians north of Gaza City to evacuate and has blocked food supplies from entering the northern region since the beginning of the month. The UN Human Rights Office has stated that Israel's actions are effectively sealing off North Gaza, with reports of civilians being fired upon while attempting to flee.
Israel's military operation in northern Gaza has drawn comparisons to a previous proposal known as 'The General's Plan,' which recommended the evacuation of civilians followed by a siege on any remaining Hamas fighters. While the Israeli government has not fully adopted this plan, elements of it appear to be in effect.
An Israeli official stated that the evacuation of civilians is aimed at protecting the uninvolved population and that the military is committed to upholding international law. However, the UN Human Rights Office has expressed concerns that Israel may not allow civilians to return to their homes, potentially leading to a forced transfer of the population, which would constitute a war crime.
Despite repeated evacuation orders and bombardments in declared humanitarian zones, many civilians in northern Gaza are refusing to comply with Israel's demands to move, citing fears of the consequences. The situation remains tense, with the international community closely monitoring developments in the region.
