The UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reported on Monday that an estimated 84,000 people had to escape Eastern Gaza as a result of the ongoing military conflict. Heavy bombardments in the eastern Shujaiya district and denied access to an aid distribution hub aggravated the situation.
According to the report, of these 84,000 displaced people, only 10,600 have found shelter. These people have reportedly been dispersed throughout 27 locations, including the UNRWA schools which describe an increasing pressure to meet high demands.
One of the major concerns is the lack of humanitarian aid supplies reaching Gaza. UNRWA spokesperson in Gaza, Louise Wateridge, states “With these access restrictions from the Israeli authorities, it is incredibly difficult if not nearly impossible for us to deliver a humanitarian response.” Wateridge emphasized during an interview with BBC that humanitarian personnel is present in Gaza, but the lack of available resources is limiting humanitarian 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 more than 100 planned humanitarian assistance missions, coordinated to reach northern Gaza this month.” The latest update from OCHA also stated that access constraints, insecurity and ongoing hostility hinder “significantly” the delivery of essential humanitarian assistance and services across Gaza.
The forced displacement of people is considered a crime under international law, as 2023 showed record numbers of displaced persons. Furthermore, rule 31 of the customary international humanitarian law provides for the respect for and protection of humanitarian relief personnel. The protection is necessary to prevent starvation and ensure that the wounded and sick must be collected and cared for, both of which are also provided by customary international humanitarian law.
Recently, both the UN Security Council’s resolution and orders of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have called for a ceasefire of some Israeli military operations in Gaza. However, Wateridge still described the situation in Gaza as “apocalyptic” since humanitarians are forced to operate in destroyed buildings, with limited clean water and supplies. The increasing risks of infectious diseases caused by “extreme heat, lack of clean water and desperate sanitary conditions” are, according to OCHA, destroying the already fragile health system.
