The European Union expressed its deep concern about the Israeli occupation army’s orders to evacuate civilians from the Khan Yunis Governorate in the southern Gaza Strip, and about 250,000 citizens were affected by the evacuation orders.

The European Union confirmed in a joint statement issued by Foreign Policy Officer Josep Borrell and Crisis Management Commissioner Janez Lenarčić on Friday that these evacuation orders also threaten the patients of the Gaza European Hospital, one of the few remaining hospitals that is partially operating in the south of the Strip.

He added: “The injured and patients from the European Hospital, including pregnant women and the elderly, were forced to move to other facilities, such as the Nasser Medical Complex. The staff also tried to protect the medical equipment.”

“This evacuation decision will certainly exacerbate overcrowding, and cause severe shortages in the remaining already overcrowded hospitals, at a time when access to emergency medical care is critical.”

The European Union said: “Forced evictions create a humanitarian crisis in the midst of the crisis, and exacerbate the already catastrophic humanitarian situation, with the displacement of nearly 1.9 million citizens within the Strip, as stated by the United Nations Chief Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs and Reconstruction in Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, at the Council Security. There are no facilities to accommodate the displaced, and humanitarian partners are struggling to meet the enormous needs of the newly displaced.

The statement added: “The European Union reiterates that in order for evacuations not to amount to prohibited forcible transfer, they must comply with international humanitarian law, ensuring safety during transit and appropriate accommodation in areas of displacement for Palestinians called to evacuate.”

He stressed that "Israel is similarly responsible for ensuring that the displaced are able to return to their homes, or their usual areas of residence, once the war ends. The displaced also need to have access to necessary services and have their needs met."

He continued: "In the face of the deteriorating situation, the European Union has mobilized all crisis response and humanitarian tools to direct the necessary aid to Gaza. This includes medical supplies, medicines and health supplies, in addition to increasing its funding to partners in the humanitarian field."

The European Union stressed that "the ceasefire has become more important now, and would allow increased humanitarian aid to Gaza."

He stressed the necessity of adhering to the implementation of the orders of the International Court of Justice issued on January 26 and May 24, 2024, which are considered legally binding, calling for “the immediate implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution No. 2735, as well as the implementation of UN Security Council Resolutions No. 2728 and 2720.” 2712,” calling for a ceasefire and facilitating the delivery of humanitarian aid to all parts of the Gaza Strip.