In a concerning development on October 21, 2023, the Israeli army distributed leaflets over northern Gaza, compelling residents to undertake an “immediate evacuation.” The issued warnings asserted that lives were in imminent danger and explicitly conveyed that individuals choosing not to relocate southwards might be deemed accomplices to a terrorist organization.
This directive followed a prior ultimatum issued a week earlier, urging the 1.1 million residents in the specified areas to vacate southwards. Amnesty International’s Senior Crisis Response Adviser, Donatella Rovera, responded to these developments, emphasizing the gravity of declaring an entire city or region a military target. Such actions, Rovera highlighted, violate international humanitarian law, which mandates a clear distinction between civilians or civilian objects and military objectives.
The principle of distinction, essential in upholding humanitarian standards, requires those conducting attacks to take measures ensuring the protection of civilians and civilian infrastructure. Targeting civilians, civilian objects, or engaging in indiscriminate attacks that result in civilian casualties constitutes a war crime.
Amnesty International, in light of these circumstances, reiterated its call for the Israeli authorities to promptly revoke the forced “evacuation” orders. Additionally, they urged an end to threats designed to instill fear and panic among Gaza’s civilian population. The organization emphasized the urgent need for the removal of all conditions on humanitarian aid distribution and the unrestricted entry of aid, including fuel, into Gaza to address the pressing needs of the civilian population.
