International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) President Mirjana Spoljaric issued a statement Aug. 30 warning that the evacuation of Gaza City, as demanded by the Israelis, is impossible. “It is impossible that a mass evacuation of Gaza City could ever be done in a way that is safe and dignified under the current conditions. Such an evacuation would trigger a massive population movement that no area in the Gaza Strip can absorb, given the widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure and the extreme shortages of food, water, shelter and medical care,” Spoljaric said. “The order would be imposed on civilians who are already traumatized by months of fighting and terrified by what could come next. Many are unable to comply with evacuation orders because they are starving, sick, injured or suffering from physical disabilities. All civilians are protected by international humanitarian law, whether they leave or stay behind, and must be allowed to return home.”
The Israeli security cabinet was scheduled to meet today, though it’s not expected to discuss the phased hostage release and ceasefire deal proposal that Hamas agreed to some weeks ago, the Times of Israel reported Aug. 30, citing Channel 12. According to Channel 12, Israel’s defense chiefs are opposed to tabling the offer, and are demanding to know why the government is so adamant on not even bringing it to a discussion.
