united nations
UN humanitarian organizations have said civilians are not safe anywhere in Gaza and more than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is under Israeli evacuation orders. “There is no humanitarian zone, let alone a ‘safe zone’,” Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), said on the social media platform X.
According to the report, Lazzarini appealed for an end to confusing evacuation orders and the killing of civilians, while warning that without a ceasefire every day was bringing more tragedy. The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said the Israeli military ordered the evacuation of large areas within Gaza, citing rocket fire into Israel.
The office said initial analysis shows the new orders cover about 3 square km in northern Gaza and Deir al-Balah provinces. Attacks were reported in the Al Mawasi area, where people were ordered to relocate and take shelter. “More than 80 percent of the Gaza Strip is subject to Israeli evacuation orders, which have not been withdrawn,” OCHA said. The office warned that the capacity of humanitarian organizations to assist people in need in Gaza is further diminished.
Humanitarians said the toughest restrictions on humanitarian activities were imposed last month. These include blocking access to border areas to collect supplies, denying efforts to deliver goods and services or assess needs in Gaza. Overall, 39 percent of UN attempts to transport aid workers anywhere in Gaza were rejected by Israeli authorities, while another 18 percent were obstructed or interfered with.
