The United Nations Human Rights Office (OHCHR) issued a statement warning of impending “anarchy” in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s evacuation order on July 9. The OHCHR says this forced families to choose between staying amid active hostilities or fleeing to still dangerous areas.
The statement was made by Ajith Sunghay, the Head of OHCHR for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, after weeks of interactions with non-governmental organizations in the region. Sunghay reported that Israeli bombing has significantly disrupted the local capacity to maintain public order and safety in Gaza. This situation, according to Sunghay, has led to unlawful killings of local police and humanitarian workers and has severely impeded the flow of essential supplies, thereby risking the spread of “anarchy” in the area.
The Gaza Strip has been immersed in conflict since Israel launched an offensive following an attack by Hamas on October 7. Earlier in July, the UN estimated that over 84,000 people had been displaced from Eastern Gaza due to the scarcity of humanitarian aid. Sunghay emphasized that the breakdown of civil order poses “enormous challenges for any meaningful humanitarian response,” thus exacerbating the human rights crisis.
Sunghay concluded his remarks by advocating for a ceasefire and reinforcing the need for an internationally agreed-upon two-State solution. Although several powerful nations, including the US, have called for a ceasefire and the UN Security Council recently passed a resolution supporting an American plan, there remains a divergence in terms agreed upon by Israel and Hamas. Despite both parties having previously agreed to separate negotiated deals in May, Hamas maintains that any agreement must include a permanent ceasefire.
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