2.1 Million Palestinians Isolated in 12% of Gaza Territory

In the Gaza Strip, 2.1 million peaceful residents have found themselves in an area comprising 12% of the entire Palestinian enclave, due to the evacuation orders and military operations issued by Israeli forces. This was stated in a statement released by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

The statement also mentions that preliminary estimates suggested that between 50,000 to 80,000 people were present in the area at the time the orders were published, including around 30,000 individuals who had sought refuge in 57 evacuation sites. In recent hours, at least 1,000 families have left the area.

The announcement indicates that the new area includes several humanitarian warehouses, four health clinics, four medical points, and critical water infrastructure. Any damage to this infrastructure will have life-threatening consequences. According to the Office’s data, the new order applies to the entire Deir al-Balah province, extending to the Mediterranean Sea, thereby further fragmenting the Palestinian enclave. As a result, it will limit the ability of the UN and its partners to move safely and effectively in Gaza, as well as hinder the access to humanitarian assistance when it is most needed.