Palestinian International Organization for Peace and Human Rights
March 31, 2025
On March 31, 2025, widespread evacuation orders were issued, encompassing Rafah and areas south of Khan Younis, and residents were instructed to relocate to Al-Mawasi. This coincided with an escalation of airstrikes during Eid al-Fitr, while families faced difficulties in moving due to fuel and transportation shortages.
Humanitarian repercussions
The sudden relocation orders leave families with limited options, especially the elderly, people with disabilities, and the sick who need help to vacate their homes and get to a safe place.
Rights and legal protection
Evacuation orders do not relieve parties to the conflict of their duty to protect civilians, and any transfer of population is subject to strict conditions and restrictions under international humanitarian law, including guarantees of safety and legitimate need.
Protection and monitoring methods
The response requires providing safe passage, adequate shelter, health services and water, and avoiding exposing displaced people to additional dangers in destination areas.
Featured image: Illustrative archive photo and does not document the event. A child in front of a displacement tent. Photo: UNRWA, License CC BY-SA 3.0 IGO — Image source.
