GAZA: The United Nations has reported that more than 680,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced due to the ongoing Israeli military operations, with the humanitarian situation worsening by the day. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) revealed that recent Israeli evacuation orders have pushed hundreds of thousands of civilians from their homes, many for the second or third time.
According to the UN, the newly designated evacuation zones, declared by Israeli authorities as “no-go” areas, have directly impacted densely populated regions. Within just 1,000 metres of these zones lie five primary healthcare centres and three medical points, all of which are now inaccessible or under threat due to nearby hostilities.
Aid agencies warn that the healthcare system is on the verge of collapse. Medical facilities are unable to function due to damage, lack of supplies, and the continuous displacement of healthcare staff and patients. “This is not just a health crisis, it’s a humanitarian catastrophe,” a spokesperson for the World Health Organization said, stressing the urgent need for ceasefire and access.
The majority of displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in already overcrowded shelters, schools, and open areas, lacking access to clean water, food, and sanitation. UN officials describe the conditions as “dire and deteriorating rapidly.”
The UN has repeatedly called for the protection of civilians and adherence to international humanitarian law. “Forced displacement of civilians, especially in such large numbers, raises serious concerns about violations of international law,” said a senior UN representative.
Efforts to deliver aid have also been severely hampered, with convoys blocked or delayed due to insecurity and restrictions. Humanitarian workers on the ground report that entire communities are being emptied, with little notice or safe passage provided.
As the conflict intensifies, international pressure continues to mount on all parties to halt the violence. The UN has urged immediate humanitarian access, restoration of essential services, and a long-term resolution to end the suffering of millions in Gaza.
