The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached a catastrophic juncture, with a staggering 80% of the territory’s population now displaced amidst escalating conflict. This dire revelation comes from the UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, who expressed grave concern over new evacuation orders for Khan Yunis.
Mass Displacement Amplifies Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
The United Nations estimates that the Israeli military order for civilians to evacuate parts of Khan Yunis and Rafah will impact up to 250,000 people, exacerbating the already dire situation in Gaza, with its total population of 2.4 million.
In a stark address to the Security Council, UN coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, lamented the immense suffering endured by Palestinian civilians, stating, “Their home lives shattered, their lives upended, over one million people have been displaced once again, desperately seeking shelter and safety.”
Evacuation Orders Exacerbate Misery
Kaag voiced deep concern over reports of new evacuation orders in Khan Yunis, emphasizing that the war has “unleashed a maelstrom of human misery.” She stressed the urgent need for increased aid delivery to the war-torn strip and the opening of additional crossings, particularly to southern Gaza, to avert an impending humanitarian disaster.
Aid Delivery Challenges and Pleas for International Support
Kaag urgently called for the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt and implored the international community to intensify funding for relief efforts. She noted that aid volumes entering Gaza have “dropped significantly” since the Israeli operation in Rafah began.
Largest Evacuation Order Since October
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres’s spokesperson revealed that the evacuation orders issued for 117 square kilometers in Khan Yunis and Rafah governorates “apply to about a third of the Gaza Strip, making it the largest such order since October.” He warned that “an evacuation of such a massive scale will only heighten the suffering of civilians.”
Human Cost of the Conflict
The humanitarian toll of the conflict is staggering. Hamas’s October 7 attack on southern Israel, which triggered the Israeli offensive, resulted in the deaths of 1,195 people, mostly civilians. Additionally, 116 hostages remain in Gaza, with 42 confirmed dead by the Israeli army.
Israel’s retaliatory offensive has claimed the lives of at least 37,925 people, predominantly civilians. While Israel has not explicitly announced a military operation in southern Gaza, previous evacuation orders have consistently preceded major battles.
Concerns Over Post-Ceasefire Aid Delivery
Looking beyond the immediate conflict, the UN ambassador for Slovenia questioned the efficacy of a ceasefire in alleviating the humanitarian crisis. He raised concerns about the continued presence of checkpoints and logistical challenges that could hinder aid delivery even after a ceasefire.
Key Learning Points
| Point | Description |
|---|---|
| Dire Humanitarian Crisis | The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with 80% of the population displaced. |
| Mass Evacuation Orders | Evacuation orders for Khan Yunis and Rafah are exacerbating the crisis, impacting up to 250,000 people. |
| Urgent Need for Aid | The UN is calling for increased aid delivery and the opening of new crossings to avert a humanitarian disaster. |
| High Civilian Casualties | The conflict has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with a significant number of civilian casualties. |
| Challenges for Post-Ceasefire Aid | Concerns remain about the effectiveness of a ceasefire in facilitating aid delivery due to logistical challenges. |
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
