Civilians in Gaza Face Total Insecurity: UN Relief Officials
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United Nations, Jan 3 (NationPress) There is no safety for civilians anywhere in Gaza, with more than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip currently subject to Israeli evacuation orders, UN humanitarian officials reported.
Philippe Lazzarini, the commissioner-general of the UN relief agency for Palestinian refugees, known as UNRWA, stated on the social media platform X, "There is no humanitarian zone, let alone a 'safe zone.'"
He urged an end to deceptive evacuation orders and the ongoing killing of civilians, emphasizing that every day without a ceasefire leads to greater tragedy, as reported by Xinhua news agency.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicated that the Israeli military has mandated the evacuation of significant portions of Gaza, citing rocket fire directed at Israel. Their initial analysis suggests that the new evacuation orders impact approximately 3 square kilometers in North Gaza and Deir al Balah governorates. Strikes have been recorded in the Al Mawasi area, where residents were instructed to relocate and seek shelter.
"Over 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is under unrevoked Israeli evacuation orders. Under these conditions, OCHA warns that the capacity of humanitarian organizations to assist those in need throughout Gaza is rapidly declining," stated OCHA.
The humanitarian workers noted that some of the most severe restrictions on humanitarian movement were documented last month, including blocking access to border zones for supply collection and denying efforts to deliver essential goods and services, or evaluate needs across Gaza. Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to mobilize aid workers within Gaza were denied by Israeli authorities, with an additional 18 percent being disrupted or interfered with.
Access to besieged areas in North Gaza has been prohibited since October 6. According to OCHA, out of 166 attempts, 150 were denied, and 16 were initially approved but faced interference or obstacles. The office highlighted that access to the remaining hospitals in the north is among the highest priorities.
OCHA also reported that in the West Bank, it collaborated with UNRWA and other humanitarian partners to assess the aftermath of an Israeli military operation in the Tulkarm and Nur Shams refugee camps last week. Teams visited the area on Tuesday and estimated that over 1,000 housing units and approximately 100 shops were damaged due to explosions or bulldozing. More than 20 families comprising over 90 individuals were displaced.
The office stated that damage to infrastructure has disrupted electricity, water, and sewage systems. OCHA coordinated a humanitarian response with partners who transported water to affected individuals.
It mentioned that the West Bank assessment will guide further interventions, such as installing new water tanks, vacuuming sewage, and distributing hygiene kits and emergency cash.
