Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights

18 March 2025

What happened?

Large-scale Israeli military attacks resumed on 18 March 2025 following a period of ceasefire. Several areas of the Gaza Strip were subjected to strikes that caused large numbers of civilian casualties and prompted new orders for residents to relocate.

Impact on civilians

Families that had previously returned to their homes once again faced the prospect of leaving, while health and relief services were already under severe strain.

Safety of displaced people

International humanitarian law protects civilians wherever they live, including people displaced to schools and tents. Evacuations and transfers of civilians are subject to strict legal conditions that are not set aside by issuing general orders to leave.

What is needed to protect residents?

These developments require careful monitoring of the facts surrounding the renewed large-scale strikes on Gaza and the risk of mass displacement, the provision of information to affected families, and access to treatment, relief or remedies according to the harm suffered. Verified facts must be distinguished from legal conclusions that require a competent investigation.

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