Recent reports from the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) highlight the significant impact of Israeli evacuation orders on the residents of Gaza. According to UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini, only 14% of Gaza is currently not under Israeli evacuation orders, indicating that the vast majority of Palestinians in the region have been affected.
Lazzarini emphasized that the evacuation orders have forced many Palestinians to flee their homes multiple times a month since October 7, leading to widespread disruption and instability. Human rights agencies have expressed concerns over the lack of safety assurances and secure accommodation for those being evacuated.
Israel has issued evacuation orders in areas where it has expanded military operations or identified Hamas fighters, prompting Palestinians to relocate from designated 'humanitarian zones.' However, these orders have been criticized for causing panic and exacerbating the suffering of civilians.
Lazzarini condemned the evacuation orders, stating that they are creating chaos and treating the people of Gaza as mere pawns in a larger conflict. He emphasized the need to prioritize the well-being and safety of civilians amidst the ongoing turmoil.
Most recently, the Israeli military issued an evacuation order for Palestinians in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza, adding to the approximately 200,000 Palestinians who have been evacuated over the past week, as reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
The situation in Gaza remains tense as residents grapple with the consequences of ongoing evacuation orders and the broader conflict in the region. International attention and humanitarian efforts are crucial to addressing the needs of those affected and ensuring their protection during this challenging time.
