WHO Rejects Israel’s Evacuation Order for Gaza City
World Health Organization (WHO) Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus reaffirmed the agency’s commitment to Gaza City, rejecting Israel’s recent military order that demands the displacement of its population, reports 24brussels.
In a statement on social media, Tedros expressed deep concern over the order that calls for one million residents of Gaza City to move to a so-called ‘humanitarian zone’ in the southern region, designated by Israel. He characterized this order as “appalling” and highlighted the dire conditions that render the proposed safe area nothing more than a death trap.
Tedros emphasized the critical need for the medical infrastructure in Gaza City, noting that nearly “half the functional hospitals” of the region are located there. He called for immediate international action, urging a ceasefire and stronger protections for medical personnel, aid workers, and civilians who are under constant bombardment.
In alignment with his condemnation, Gaza’s Government Media Office reported that over 1.2 million Palestinians remain in Gaza City and northern Gaza, refusing to abandon their homes despite continuous airstrikes and worsening living conditions. The office accused Israel of pursuing a campaign of ethnic cleansing under military pretexts, violating international law.
As stated, Gaza City and its northern governorates comprise over 1.3 million residents, with approximately 398,000 in the north and the majority already displaced westward, while another 914,000 are in the Gaza governorate. Many have fled under fire from east to west, further complicating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
