LONDON, Oct 31 – The United Nations has warned that Palestinians in Gaza are facing repeated displacement as Israeli military operations continue.
The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) said Palestinians are being pushed into smaller areas. It also raised concerns about attacks on civilian infrastructure and shelters for displaced families.
The office warned that the situation has increased concerns about possible ethnic cleansing.
Israeli Military Areas Expand in Gaza
The OHCHR said Israeli military deployment areas had expanded westwards over the past two weeks.
The affected areas include Al Shujaiyeh in Gaza City, as well as eastern Al Bureij, eastern Deir Al-Balah and eastern Al Maghazi in Middle Gaza.
The office also received reports of an incident on October 25.
An Israeli drone reportedly dropped munitions near tents sheltering displaced families at the Al Shujaiyeh junction. The fire that followed burned for five hours.
According to the Palestinian Public Works and Housing Ministry, around 200 families were forced to leave the area.
This involved about 800 people, most of whom were women, children and older people.
UN Raises Concerns Over Repeated Displacement
Ajith Sunghay, head of UN Human Rights in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, described the displacement crisis as both severe and ongoing.
He said many Palestinians displaced before the ceasefire had little chance of returning to their former homes.
Many of these areas remain inaccessible because they are beyond the boundary known as the “yellow line”.
The OHCHR also warned that this boundary was preventing Palestinians from returning to what remains of their homes.
UN Calls for Safe Return of Palestinians
The OHCHR called on Israel to stop the forced transfer of Palestinians within Gaza.
The office said forced displacement could amount to a war crime. It may also constitute a crime against humanity.
In addition, the UN urged Israel to allow Palestinians to return safely and with dignity to their homes and the areas they had left.
Sunghay also highlighted the difficult conditions faced by displaced families.
Many are entering another winter in temporary tents that may not withstand heavy rain. They also continue to face security risks.
Source : BERNAMA | Rewritten By Minutesmy
