Amid escalating tensions in Gaza, the Israeli military has issued fresh evacuation orders for several areas in Gaza City, leading to tens of thousands of people being on the move once again. Over the past 10 days, evacuation instructions have been given to residents in Khan Younis, Shujaya, and various neighborhoods of Gaza City, resulting in an estimated 1.9 million internally displaced individuals in Gaza.
The mass displacement has been primarily driven by evacuation orders from the Israeli military, destruction of infrastructure, limited access to essential services, and ongoing hostilities, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
Many civilians are hesitant to leave their shelters due to uncertainty about their safety and living conditions. The IDF has emphasized the necessity of evacuation orders to prevent civilian casualties in areas where Hamas is attempting to re-establish a presence.
Evacuation orders have significantly impacted hospitals in Gaza, with only 15 out of 36 hospitals currently operational. The closure of medical facilities like the European Hospital and Al Ahli Baptist Hospital has further strained healthcare services in the region.
The continuous displacements have made it challenging for aid agencies to provide food assistance, with nearly half a million people in Gaza facing severe hunger. The logistical challenges of aid distribution have been exacerbated by the evacuation orders, hindering humanitarian missions.
The Norwegian Refugee Council and UNRWA have highlighted the dire conditions faced by displaced individuals, including overcrowded shelters, limited resources, and lack of safety assurances. The situation in Gaza remains precarious, with families struggling to meet basic needs and children living in makeshift shelters.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza continues to take a toll on civilians, with displacement, destruction of infrastructure, and humanitarian challenges persisting. The international community is closely monitoring the situation and calling for efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected by the crisis.
