Humanitarians from the UN cautioned on Wednesday against Israeli evacuation orders in Gaza City, warning that such directives would exacerbate the already severe suffering of Palestinians.
The Israeli military’s recent evacuation orders affecting various parts of the city prompted a strong response from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). “These civilians must be protected, and their essential needs must be met, whether they choose to flee or stay,” OCHA stated. “This underscores the importance of all parties respecting international humanitarian law at all times.”
Simultaneously, negotiations towards a ceasefire in Gaza resumed in Doha, Qatar, on Wednesday. However, OCHA highlighted that the evacuation orders have forced the humanitarian community to continuously readjust their aid operations. “Aid workers are doing their best, but their efforts fall far short of meeting the urgent needs,” noted Muhannad Hadi, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, in a social media post.
During his visit to Deir Al-Balah, Hadi witnessed firsthand the challenges faced due to the deteriorating public order and safety conditions, particularly evident at the Kerem Shalom crossing. Trucks exiting the crossing were damaged, and essential supplies, like fortified flour from the World Food Programme (WFP) and UNRWA, were scattered along the road.
Hadi also observed the devastating impact on Khan Younis, where widespread destruction has left no structure untouched. In conversations with women’s groups in Gaza, Hadi learned about the dire conditions in displacement sites, including overcrowding, lack of hygiene products, and increasing tensions within communities, exacerbating risks of sexual and gender-based violence.
The visit also included a stop at the IMC Field Hospital in Deir Al-Balah, where Hadi, alongside WHO’s Regional Director Hanan Balkhy, witnessed healthcare providers delivering critical trauma care under extremely challenging circumstances.
OCHA additionally reported over 1,000 Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank since October, resulting in casualties, property damage, and displacements in Bedouin and herding communities. Recent Israeli military operations in Jenin and Tulkarm cities and adjacent refugee camps led to the deaths of 14 Palestinians between July 2 and 8, including a significant number of children.
The unfolding situation continues to highlight the urgent need for humanitarian aid and a secure environment for civilians in Gaza and the West Bank.
