UNITED NATIONS: Israeli forces’ overnight airstrikes have intensified the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where tens of thousands of residents have been displaced amid escalating violence.
According to UN humanitarian officials, many displaced persons returning to areas with Israeli evacuation orders have found no shelters available, highlighting the severe lack of accommodation.
UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, reported that thousands are seeking refuge in UNRWA schools and government buildings, but space is rapidly running out. Others have been forced to live amidst rubble and piles of waste, with conditions described as “beyond unbearable” due to the lack of basic sanitation facilities.
The exodus from Gaza has been massive, with approximately 85,000 people leaving the Shujaiyah district in eastern Gaza City and another 66,700 displaced from eastern Khan Younis and Rafah following recent evacuation orders. The situation has been worsen by the destruction of infrastructure and the threat of unexploded ordnance, which poses significant risks to civilians, especially children.
UNRWA has raised alarms about the spread of contagious diseases like diarrhea and hepatitis, particularly among malnourished children with weakened immune systems. The UNRWA emphasized that military actions are hindering access to safe water and exacerbating sanitation issues, further contributing to the health crisis.
In response to the escalating needs, UN agencies and partners have been providing essential aid including water, food, and medical supplies. However, challenges persist due to the ongoing bombardments, fuel shortages, and access restrictions imposed by Israeli forces.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), a nine-year-old girl was killed and three others were injured in Khan Younis on Saturday, June 29th, when an unspecified explosive device detonated. OCHA emphasized that unexploded ordnance poses a significant threat to civilians, particularly as families are compelled to relocate to areas affected by bombardment or previous intense fighting. Experts in mine action from the UN have previously highlighted that approximately 10% of ammunition used in the conflict may fail to detonate. UNRWA stated that this poses a deadly risk to civilians, especially the many children who spend six to eight hours daily fetching water and food, often carrying heavy loads over long distances.
Meanwhile, in the West Bank, incidents of Israeli airstrikes have also been reported, resulting in casualties and property damage. The UN has documented significant destruction, including damage to homes in the Nur Shams Refugee Camp in Tulkarm, where children were among those killed.
The latest data from Gazan health authorities indicates a devastating toll since the conflict began, with nearly 38,000 fatalities and over 87,000 injuries reported. As international calls for a ceasefire and humanitarian access grow, the UN continues to appeal for urgent assistance to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire.
