The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported on Monday that approximately 84,000 individuals have been displaced from Eastern Gaza due to ongoing military conflict. Intensive bombardments, particularly in the eastern Shujaiya district, and restrictions on access to an aid distribution hub have exacerbated the situation.
As per the report, out of the 84,000 displaced people, only 10,600 have managed to find shelter. The displaced populace is scattered across 27 locations, including various UNRWA schools facing immense pressure to meet high demands.
One of the primary issues is the limited supply of humanitarian aid reaching Gaza. UNRWA spokesperson Louise Wateridge highlighted on Twitter that access restrictions from Israeli authorities make it extremely difficult, if not impossible, to deliver a humanitarian response. In an interview with the BBC, Wateridge emphasized that although humanitarian personnel are present in Gaza, the lack of resources severely hampers relief efforts.
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) also reported on June 28 that Israeli authorities had facilitated less than half of the over 100 planned humanitarian assistance missions aimed at reaching northern Gaza in June. The report noted that access constraints, insecurity, and ongoing hostilities significantly hinder the delivery of essential humanitarian aid and services across Gaza.
Forced displacement of people is regarded as a war crime under international law. Data from 2023 indicated record numbers of displaced persons. Moreover, rule 31 of customary international humanitarian law mandates the protection and respect for humanitarian relief personnel to prevent starvation and ensure that the sick and wounded are cared for.
Recent efforts by the UN Security Council and mandates from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have called for a ceasefire in some Israeli military operations in Gaza. Despite this, Louise Wateridge described the situation in Gaza as “apocalyptic,” with humanitarian workers functioning in destroyed buildings and struggling with limited clean water and supplies. The risk of infectious diseases due to extreme heat, lack of clean water, and poor sanitary conditions is further straining the fragile health system, according to OCHA.