Israel’s Forced Gaza Evacuations Violate International Law, U.N. Says
The U.N. Human Rights Office accuses Israel of violating international law by imposing forced evacuations in Gaza, affecting vast areas and leaving civilians without essential services. Israel argues the moves are designed to protect civilians from Hamas.
Published on March 28, 2025
Since resuming military operations against Hamas on March 18, 2025, Israel has issued at least 10 mandatory evacuation orders in Gaza. The U.N. Human Rights Office has accused the country of violating international humanitarian law by ordering large-scale relocations without ensuring adequate shelter, hygiene, health, safety, or nutrition for the displaced population. U.N. spokesperson Thameen Al-Kheetan has emphasized that these evacuations affect vast areas of northern Gaza, where more than half of the region’s residents have been forced to leave their homes.
Israel defends its actions by arguing that the orders are intended to protect civilians from Hamas, which it contends uses people as human shields. However, with recent intensification of the conflict and mounting casualties—including at least 855 Palestinians killed and 1,869 wounded—the U.N. and international observers are increasingly critical of the measures. The International Criminal Court has even indicted leaders from both Israel and Hamas on war crimes charges, adding legal weight to the humanitarian concerns raised by these forced evacuations.