UN: Forcible displacement in Gaza violates Geneva Convention

Sharjah 24 – WAM: Ravina Shamdasani, Spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, stated that Israeli evacuation orders have forcibly displaced Palestinians in Gaza into increasingly confined areas with limited or no access to basic services.

Grave breach of international law

At a press conference in Geneva, Shamdasani emphasised that the permanent displacement of civilians in occupied territories constitutes a forcible transfer—a serious violation of the Fourth Geneva Convention and a potential crime against humanity under the Rome Statute.

No safe areas amid ongoing strikes

She also pointed out that Israeli military operations continue across Gaza, leaving civilians with no safe refuge.

Targeting civilians is a war crime

Shamdasani stressed that intentionally targeting civilians not directly involved in hostilities amounts to a war crime.

Alarming living conditions in Gaza

In a separate statement, she voiced deep concern that the conditions imposed on Palestinians in Gaza may become incompatible with their survival as a group, raising further humanitarian and legal alarm.