The United Nations estimates that approximately 150,000 individuals evacuated Khan Younis in southern Gaza on Monday in response to evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military. This mass exodus has placed additional strain on already limited resources such as food, water, and shelter in the region.
The surge in displacement has further complicated the distribution of aid in Gaza, leading to a rise in infectious diseases as reported by health officials.
Aid agencies operating in the area have highlighted that only a quarter of the required fuel for their operations is entering Gaza. The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) disclosed that during the initial three weeks of the current month, just over 2.1 million liters of fuel were delivered to Gaza. This equates to an average of approximately 103,000 liters per day, significantly below the 400,000 liters needed to adequately support those in need.
According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), the ongoing fuel shortages are undermining humanitarian efforts and posing a threat to the functionality of crucial facilities such as health centers, water sources, and food production sites that are essential for sustaining aid operations.
Comparing the current situation to June, when nearly 1,300 trucks entered Gaza, the total number of trucks delivering aid in July has dropped to 674. The American Near East Refugee Aid organization recently warned that the slow and insufficient delivery of humanitarian assistance is fueling desperation among the population, leading to instances of lawlessness.
ANERA further highlighted that security risks faced by aid workers, including attacks on drivers and distribution centers, looting, and encountering roadblocks, have become increasingly common. The organization noted that civilian police forces are struggling to maintain order due to being targeted by Israeli forces.
