5 days ago
Displacement orders are 'entirely erasing Gaza', Oxfam warns
Mass displacement at the hands of Israel is 'entirely erasing Gaza' as the raging war now enters 600 days, charity Oxfam has warned.
Since the breaking of the ceasefire, Israel has issued 30 forced displacement orders and are pushing people into isolated areas, according to Oxfam.
A new analysis by Ofxam found that 'since breaking the ceasefire on March 18, Israel has issued over 30 forced displacement orders, covering a swathe of 68 out of 79 neighbourhoods'.
These, along with the expanding 'no-go' Israeli military zones, make up over 80% of the Gaza Strip.
This has resulted in the starving of a population who are unable to find refuge, said Oxfam.
Oxfam Ireland CEO Jim Clarken said: 'Israel's plan to confine civilians in militarised 'humanitarian' zones under armed guard, while displacing hundreds of thousands through relentless bombardment, is a grotesque violation of humanitarian principles.
In any other conflict, civilians have a route to safety. Palestinians are being caged, corralled, and shoved towards the coastline with nowhere to run.
'This is not humanitarian aid — it is forced internment, and the international community must not continue to ignore such blatant war crimes.'
He described how more than 160,000 people have been uprooted from their home which is part of the 600,000 who have been forcibly displaced since March.
'This is a deliberate strategy' said Mr Clarken. 'Ireland has its role to play – the Occupied Territories Bill, despite only affecting the West Bank — needs to include a ban on the trading of services as well as goods.
Other nations are watching the progression of this legislation, and we must do it justice.
"Irish MEPs must continue to push for the suspension, not simply a review, of the EU-Israel Association Agreement. We commend our Irish parliamentarians for fighting for justice — but actions mean everything at this crucial moment in time for the survival of Palestinian people.'
Fidaa Alaraj — Oxfam's gender advisor in Gaza who has been displaced with her family several times, said:
'Imagine trying to move with four children or an elderly parent in the middle of the night, with no transport and nowhere to go. People are so exhausted, many would rather face death than flee again.'
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