UN migration agency voices 'deep concern' over Israel's Rafah relocation order

GENEVA

The UN migration agency on Monday voiced "deep concern" over the forcible displacement of Gazans from Rafah with Israel's relocation order, saying people have "nowhere safe" to seek refuge.

"We are deeply concerned that already displaced people are once again being forcibly displaced by escalating hostilities in Rafah, Gaza. People are left with nowhere safe to seek refuge," IOM said on X.

Stressing that the humanitarian situation has reached "catastrophic levels," the agency said that the people cannot afford "another escalation leading to more suffering and loss of life."

"It is absolutely critical that humanitarian aid reaches those in need," it said, calling for unrestricted access to aid.

"This is essential to ensure that those in need can access the life-saving support they desperately require," it added.

The Israeli army issued on Monday morning urgent evacuation orders to Palestinian residents and displaced individuals in several areas of eastern Rafah, urging them to immediately relocate to the town of al-Mawasi.

The military also posted maps on its social media accounts illustrating evacuation routes.

According to the Israeli Army Radio, the decision to evacuate residents from eastern Rafah was taken late Sunday in a Cabinet session. It said that around 100,000 civilians believed to be present in the area are set to be evacuated.

Since Oct. 7, the Israeli onslaught has killed nearly 34,700 Palestinians, mostly women and children, besides causing a humanitarian catastrophe.

Nearly seven months into the Israeli war, vast swathes of Gaza lay in ruins, pushing 85% of the enclave’s population into internal displacement amid a crippling blockade of food, clean water and medicine, according to the UN.

Israel stands accused of genocide at the International Court of Justice. An interim ruling in January said it is "plausible" that Israel is committing genocide in Gaza and ordered Tel Aviv to stop such acts and take measures to guarantee that humanitarian assistance is provided.