Israel warned 1.1 million of Palestinian civilians to leave the northern Gaza Strip, and since then a steady flow of families has moved south in overloaded cars, trucks and donkey carts.
“Mass population displacement from the north to the south of the Gaza Strip has been ongoing since (…) Friday morning, when Israel ordered residents to evacuate these areas ahead of military operations,” the UN humanitarian aid agency OCHA said in a statement.
“Humanitarian partners report that the number of internally displaced persons has increased significantly over the past 24 hours, but the exact number is unknown,” it said.
Before that, on Thursday at 11 p.m. According to data, there were 423,378 internally displaced persons in the Gaza Strip, OCHA said.
About 64 percent to accommodate them in facilities of UNRWA, the UN agency that provides assistance to Palestinian refugees.
“Approximately 33,054 IDPs found shelter in 36 public schools,” OCHA said.
“It is estimated that more than 153 thousand internally displaced persons whose homes were destroyed or damaged, or who left their homes due to fear, are staying with relatives and neighbors, as well as in other public facilities,” the organization said.
Israeli forces on Sunday prepared for an upcoming ground operation into the Gaza Strip aimed at destroying the Palestinian Islamist militant group Hamas, which carried out the deadliest attack in the country’s history.
In the eight days since Hamas gunmen killed more than 1,300 people. Israelis, Israel responded with a bombing campaign that killed more than 2.3 thousand people. of the lives of the people of the Gaza Strip.
Israel announced on Friday that 1.1 million population to evacuate from the northern part of the Gaza Strip to the south ahead of an expected ground invasion, and the United Nations has called for the order to be revoked.
Hamas is the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip; it has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it has restricted the entry of goods into the territory and their departure from it by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
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**Interview with Dr. Amina Nasser, Humanitarian Affairs Expert**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Dr. Nasser. The situation in Gaza is deeply concerning. Could you elaborate on the recent mass displacement of civilians after Israel’s evacuation order?
**Dr. Nasser:** Certainly. The recent order for 1.1 million Palestinian civilians to evacuate the northern Gaza Strip has resulted in an unprecedented humanitarian crisis. As families move south, they are facing immense challenges, including overcrowded transport and a lack of adequate shelter upon arrival.
**Interviewer:** The UN humanitarian agency, OCHA, reported that the number of internally displaced persons has surged significantly. What can you tell us about their current living conditions?
**Dr. Nasser:** Currently, the living conditions for many internally displaced persons (IDPs) are dire. As of the latest reports, over 423,000 people were already displaced. Most are finding shelter in makeshift accommodations, including UNRWA facilities and public schools. The infrastructure simply isn’t equipped to handle the sudden influx of people, leading to overcrowding and a lack of basic services.
**Interviewer:** What percentage of IDPs are being accommodated in UN facilities, and how effective are those efforts?
**Dr. Nasser:** Approximately 64 percent of those displaced are being accommodated in UNRWA facilities, with around 33,054 IDPs currently residing in public schools. While these facilities are providing critical shelter, they aren’t designed to house such a large number of people, which exacerbates the situation. The humanitarian effort is significant, but the scale of need is overwhelming.
**Interviewer:** Given the ongoing conflict, how is this situation impacting the health and safety of these displaced populations?
**Dr. Nasser:** The health and safety of IDPs are at severe risk right now. With homes destroyed or damaged, many are left without access to clean water, food, or medical care. Psychological trauma is also a huge concern, especially for children who are experiencing this conflict first-hand. The international community must step in with urgent aid and support for both immediate humanitarian needs and long-term recovery.
**Interviewer:** What are the prospects for these displaced individuals, considering the military operations planned by Israel?
**Dr. Nasser:** The prospects are troubling. With the impending ground operations aimed at Hamas, there is a risk that the situation will deteriorate further. Civilians are often caught in the crossfire. A ceasefire and humanitarian access are essential for safeguarding lives and providing much-needed assistance to those affected.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Dr. Nasser, for your insights. The humanitarian implications are indeed alarming, and we hope for a resolution that prioritizes the safety and rights of all individuals in the region.
**Dr. Nasser:** Thank you for highlighting this critical issue. It’s vital that we continue to advocate for peace and humanitarian support.
