The United Nations has issued a concerning report about a significant population movement in Gaza as Israel calls for the evacuation of the northern part of the Palestinian enclave, terming it a “mass displacement.” Here are the key developments surrounding this issue:
1. A Drastic Movement Southwards Israel’s evacuation order for the northern Gaza Strip has triggered what the UN has described as “mass displacement.” In response to this order, 1.1 million Palestinian civilians have been warned to leave northern Gaza, leading to a steady flow of families, many crammed into overloaded vehicles, trucks, and even donkey carts, heading south.
2. Increasing Number of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Over the past 24 hours, the number of internally displaced persons has notably increased, although the exact number remains unknown. As of 11:00 pm (2000 GMT) on Thursday, Gaza had 423,378 IDPs. Around 64 percent of these displaced individuals were being hosted by UNRWA, the UN agency responsible for Palestinian refugees, in 102 premises designated as emergency shelters. An additional 33,054 IDPs had sought refuge in 36 public schools. An estimated 153,000 IDPs, who had either seen their homes destroyed or damaged or left out of fear, were found residing with relatives, neighbors, and in other public facilities.
3. Tensions Escalate for a Looming Ground Invasion The Israeli military has been preparing for a potential ground invasion of Gaza with the objective of dismantling Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist militant organization that initiated a devastating attack on Israel. In the eight days following Hamas’s deadly assault, which resulted in more than 1,300 Israeli casualties, Israel has responded with an extensive bombing campaign, leading to over 2,300 fatalities in Gaza.
4. A Crisis Unfolds The situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate as civilians face the consequences of escalating conflict and the urgent need for humanitarian assistance. The “mass displacement” of people represents a growing crisis that requires immediate attention and intervention.
