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ATLANTA – Cartercondemns the Israeli government’s directive to forcibly transfer Palestinian civilians in Rafah to pave the way for a military offensive and reiterates our call for an immediate ceasefire. This plan is alarming given that an estimated 1.3 million Gazans now reside in overcrowded conditions in Rafah, previously designated as a safe zone. The Israeli government’s directive further undermines prospects for long-term peace and its citizens’ security and prosperity. 

Ordering this new wave of displacement of Palestinians will further exacerbate the humanitarian crisis resulting from the ongoing 126-day siege causing over 25,000 deaths, including some 12,000 children. Many in Rafah have already experienced multiple displacements. There are severe shortages of food, water, and medicine as humanitarian aid fails to meet the basic needs of Gaza residents. Carterreiterates its urgent call for all sides to allow unfettered access to humanitarian assistance.

The forcible deportation of a population is defined as a crime against humanity under the statutes of the International Criminal Court. This directive likely violates international law and contravenes the provisional measures directed by the International Court of Justice on January 26, 2024, in the case of South Africa v. Israel.

As Carterstated in its Israel-Palestine Guiding Principles, the cycle of violence will only end when all sides adhere to international law and use dialogue and determined diplomacy to pave the way for a realistic peace process. Israel’s proposed action takes us further from this goal. We call on the international community, including the United States, to take concrete steps to bring an end to violations of human rights against Palestinians and Israelis and to advance regional stability.

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Contact: media@cartercenter.org

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Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, Carterhas helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. Carterwas founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.