Some 450,000 Gazans have been forcibly displaced from southernmost city of Rafah by Israeli evacuation orders in the last week alone. Streets once teeming with activity now lay barren, echoing the anguish of families fleeing in search of safety, according to recent reports from the UN.
URGENT CALLS FOR CEASEFIRE AND PROTECTION
“Empty streets in Rafah as families continue to flee in search of safety… UNRWA estimates that nearly 450,000 people have been forcibly displaced from Rafah since 6 May,” stated the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, underscoring the urgency of the situation. Louise Wateridge, spokesperson for UNRWA, describes the inland regions of Rafah as ghost towns, emphasizing the stark contrast from its bustling population of over one million just a week prior. She stresses the dire conditions faced by the displaced, including constant exhaustion, hunger, and fear, highlighting the pressing need for an immediate ceasefire as the only hope for relief.
ESCALATING AIRSTRIKES AND GROUND INCURSIONS
The crisis deepens as airstrikes persistently target northern and southern Gaza, with the Israeli military reporting strikes on 120 targets within the past 24 hours. Ground incursions and heavy fighting further exacerbate the situation, particularly in eastern Rafah, Gaza City, and the Jabaliya refugee camp. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issues late-night updates, shedding light on the ongoing displacement of residents in eastern Rafah, many of whom have experienced multiple displacements in the past seven months.
HUMANITARIAN CONCERNS AMPLIFY
In the north, evacuation orders compound the crisis amid relentless Israeli bombardment, prompting an exodus of approximately 100,000 individuals from their homes and shelters. OCHA expresses deep concerns regarding the lack of protection for civilians and the safety of humanitarian operations. Shockingly, one-fifth of Gaza’s population has been displaced in just the last week, underscoring the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and protection.
ACCESS TO LIFESAVING AID RESTRICTED
The closure of the Rafah crossing and restricted access to the Kerem Shalom crossing pose significant challenges to delivering lifesaving aid to Gaza. Despite international calls for the protection of civilians and humanitarian access, access remains limited, leaving millions vulnerable to dire circumstances. The UN World Health Organization (WHO) voices concerns over the incursion into Rafah, jeopardizing access to healthcare and the delivery of essential medical supplies.
GRAPPLING WITH THE HUMAN COST
UN agencies refute claims of downscaling the number of casualties in Gaza, affirming the gravity of the situation. Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), emphasizes that every casualty represents a life lost, including women, children, and thousands still missing under the rubble. WHO highlights the challenges of verifying casualties in Gaza due to the sheer scale of the crisis, urging continued efforts to identify and assist victims.
UPHOLDING THE DIGNITY OF EVERY LIFE
As the conflict rages on, the international community must remain steadfast in its commitment to protecting civilian lives and providing essential humanitarian aid. Behind every statistic lies a human story—a life shattered, a family torn apart. The crisis in Gaza serves as a poignant reminder of the urgent need for peace, compassion, and solidarity in the face of adversity.