'Northern Gaza is being erased': NGOs urge world leaders to stop Israeli assault

Northern Gaza is being "wiped off the map" and world leaders need to act now to stop the "atrocities" committed by Israeli forces, 38 NGOs said in a joint statement on Tuesday. 

"The Israeli forces’ assault on Gaza has escalated to a horrifying level of atrocity," said the groups, which included Oxfam, Medical Aid for Palestinians (MAP), ActionAid, Islamic Relief, Christian Aid and other UK-based charities. 

"Under the guise of 'evacuation,' Israeli forces have ordered the forced displacement of an estimated 400,000 Palestinians trapped in northern Gaza, including Gaza City," their statement read.  

"This is not an evacuation - this is forced displacement under gunfire. Since 1 October, no food has been allowed into the area, and civilians are being starved and bombed in their homes and their tents." 

Global leaders have a "legal and moral duty" to act now, the groups said, adding that Israel has failed to adhere to the orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to prevent acts of genocide in Gaza. 

"This is not a time for silence - this is a time for action. The people of Gaza cannot wait. The world must intervene now before more innocent lives are lost."