Israeli military orders new evacuations in Gaza amid escalating humanitarian crisis
January 02, 2025 | United Nations, Federal
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In a stark reminder of the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza, the Israeli military has issued new evacuation orders affecting approximately three square kilometers in North Gaza and the Alballah governorates. This directive comes in response to recent rocket fire into Israel, escalating tensions in a region already grappling with severe humanitarian challenges.
Filipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), expressed grave concerns over the situation, stating that the absence of a ceasefire only exacerbates the tragedy faced by civilians. He highlighted that over 80% of the Gaza Strip is currently under unrevoked evacuation orders, leaving many without a safe place to turn. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that the ability of humanitarian organizations to assist those in need is rapidly diminishing, with December marking some of the most stringent restrictions on aid movement ever recorded.
Access to border areas for collecting supplies has been severely restricted, with 39% of UN attempts to deploy aid workers in Gaza denied by Israeli authorities. Additionally, 18% of these efforts were disrupted, further complicating the delivery of essential goods and services. For the beleaguered residents of North Gaza, access has been denied for an alarming 88 consecutive days since October 6, 2024.
Shifting focus to the West Bank, OCHA, UNRWA, and humanitarian partners conducted an assessment following Israeli military operations in Tulkarm and Nersham's refugee camps on December 24 and 25. Their findings revealed significant destruction, with over 1,000 housing units and around 100 shops damaged, displacing more than 90 individuals across 20 families. The damage to infrastructure has disrupted vital services, including electricity, water, and sewage systems.
In response to these urgent needs, OCHA is mobilizing humanitarian efforts, including trucking water to affected areas, installing new water tanks, vacuuming sewage, and distributing hygiene kits and emergency cash. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
Filipe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), expressed grave concerns over the situation, stating that the absence of a ceasefire only exacerbates the tragedy faced by civilians. He highlighted that over 80% of the Gaza Strip is currently under unrevoked evacuation orders, leaving many without a safe place to turn. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that the ability of humanitarian organizations to assist those in need is rapidly diminishing, with December marking some of the most stringent restrictions on aid movement ever recorded.
Access to border areas for collecting supplies has been severely restricted, with 39% of UN attempts to deploy aid workers in Gaza denied by Israeli authorities. Additionally, 18% of these efforts were disrupted, further complicating the delivery of essential goods and services. For the beleaguered residents of North Gaza, access has been denied for an alarming 88 consecutive days since October 6, 2024.
Shifting focus to the West Bank, OCHA, UNRWA, and humanitarian partners conducted an assessment following Israeli military operations in Tulkarm and Nersham's refugee camps on December 24 and 25. Their findings revealed significant destruction, with over 1,000 housing units and around 100 shops damaged, displacing more than 90 individuals across 20 families. The damage to infrastructure has disrupted vital services, including electricity, water, and sewage systems.
In response to these urgent needs, OCHA is mobilizing humanitarian efforts, including trucking water to affected areas, installing new water tanks, vacuuming sewage, and distributing hygiene kits and emergency cash. As the situation continues to unfold, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and well-being of civilians caught in the crossfire.
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