Palestine - March 2025

In March, Israel violated the Gaza ceasefire agreement it had previously reached with Hamas, which had been in place since 19 January, by launching airstrikes and initiating a ground invasion of Gaza. After reimposing a full siege on Gaza on 2 March, blocking all humanitarian aid, the Israeli military launched a new wave of airstrikes across the Strip on 18 March. The following day, Israeli forces retook control of the Netzarim Corridor, cutting off north-south movement within Gaza. On 20 March, a new ground invasion was launched in the north. By the end of the month, more than 1,000 Palestinians had been killed since the strikes resumed. The violence also caused widespread displacement, with new evacuation orders issued by Israel throughout Gaza, including in the southern city of Rafah on 31 March, forcing thousands to flee.

Sources: Associated Press (1), Associated Press (2), Haaretz (1), United Nations, Middle East Eye, Haaretz (2)

On 22 March, Israel’s Security Cabinet approved the establishment of a directorate within the Ministry of Defense to oversee the ‘voluntary departure’ of Palestinians from Gaza to third countries. The directorate’s mandate includes organizing safe and controlled passage, securing transit routes, conducting screenings at designated crossings, and coordinating infrastructure for land, sea, and air travel to third countries. While Israeli officials portray the initiative as ‘humanitarian’, observers warn that, if implemented, it would result in the mass displacement of Palestinians from Gaza. To date, no third countries have publicly agreed to accept Palestinians from Gaza. However, media reports indicate that Israel and the United States discussed plans with at least three East African governments.

Sources: The Times of Israel (1), Haaretz, The Times of Israel (2), Associated Press