People fleeing Rafah arrive in Khan Yunis city following new Israeli evacuation orders, in the southern Gaza Strip, on March 31, 2025. Photo by Eyad BABA / AFP
Ramallah: The Palestinian presidency has warned against the Israeli occupation's orders for the forced evacuation of Rafah City in the southern Gaza Strip.
In an official statement, the presidency condemned the internal displacement, emphasizing that it is as unacceptable and illegal under international law as external displacement. It held the occupying forces entirely responsible for this escalation, asserting that such actions will not lead to security or stability for anyone.
The presidency also denounced the deliberate targeting of medical personnel by the occupation forces, describing it as a blatant violation of international laws and conventions that prohibit attacks on the medical sector.
The statement highlighted the ongoing Israeli assaults on Palestinians in the West Bank, particularly in northern refugee camps. These attacks include killings, forced evacuations, demolitions of homes, mass arrests, and systematic destruction of infrastructure. Additionally, the presidency cited the persistent settler violence and attacks on holy sites as contributing factors to escalation and instability, warning that these actions risk a catastrophic situation, increasing regional tension and insecurity.
The presidency reiterated that without a fair and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian issue, in line with international resolutions and the Arab Peace Initiative, the region will remain trapped in endless cycles of conflict, with dire consequences for all. It called on the international community to assume its responsibilities in upholding international law and humanitarian treaties.