Gaza: More than 36,000 people have been displaced across the Gaza Strip since Israel's recent attacks on Gaza City commenced earlier this month, as reported by the UN on Tuesday. "People continue to flee in fear for their lives, seeking safety wherever possible," stated UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric during a news conference, citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
According to Anadolu Agency, Dujarric detailed that between August 14, when the offensive on Gaza City was announced, and yesterday, partners tracking population movements in Gaza recorded over 36,200 displacements. This includes more than 11,600 individuals moving from the north to the south of the Strip. He noted that over 2,000 displacements occurred between August 24 and 25 alone.
The majority of displaced individuals originated from neighborhoods in Gaza City, with more than two-thirds relocating to Deir al Balah and nearly a third to Khan Younis. Dujarric highlighted that hostilities across the Gaza Strip, including Israeli shelling and airstrikes, are continuing to impact civilians.
Additionally, the Israeli military issued a new displacement order covering approximately one square kilometer in Gaza City's Ad Daraj and Ash Sheikh Radwan neighborhoods. Dujarric emphasized the challenges faced by aid operations, which are heavily restricted by Israeli authorities. He stated that out of 12 planned missions requiring coordination with Israeli authorities, only six were facilitated, while three were impeded, two canceled, and one road repair mission in Khan Younis was outright denied.
Israel's military actions have resulted in nearly 63,000 Palestinian deaths in Gaza since October 2023, devastating the enclave, which is currently facing famine. Last November, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza. Furthermore, Israel faces a genocide case at the International Court of Justice for its war activities in the enclave.