Recent Israeli military operations in Rafah and northern Gaza have led to the displacement of almost half a million Palestinians, exacerbating the already severe humanitarian crisis in the region. With escalating confrontations, food insecurity, and a rising death toll, international criticism mounts while diplomatic efforts aim to reduce civilian harm and end hostilities.
Nearly half a million Palestinians have been displaced due to intensified Israeli military operations in Rafah and northern Gaza, as reported by the United Nations. This surge in displacement has occurred over the past few days, adding to the severe humanitarian crisis in the region.
According to the U.N., about 360,000 people have evacuated from Rafah, previously home to approximately 1.3 million individuals, amid ongoing confrontations where Israel is targeting what it identifies as the last Hamas stronghold. Additionally, Israeli operations in northern Gaza have prompted around 100,000 residents to flee following evacuation orders issued by the army last Saturday.
The conflict has escalated food insecurity dramatically, with no food supplies passing through the main border crossings of southern Gaza for a week. The U.N. warns that about 1.1 million Palestinians in Gaza are facing extreme hunger with the north experiencing a full-blown famine. The conflict, now ongoing for seven months following a Hamas attack on southern Israel on October 7, has resulted in over 35,000 deaths, predominantly among women and children, based on figures from local health officials.
Human Rights Watch has highlighted the peril aid workers face in Gaza, citing at least eight Israeli strikes on aid convoys, leading to the deaths of 15 individuals, including aid workers and children. The U.N. has noted the loss of over 250 aid workers since the conflict began, mostly local U.N. agency employees. These incidents underscore the challenges of providing humanitarian aid and ensuring the safety of aid workers within conflict zones.
The international reaction includes severe criticism of Israel’s actions in Gaza, including from the U.S. which has expressed concerns about the long-term viability of continued military operations without causing further humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue to address the conflict, with negotiations involving the U.S., Israeli, and Egyptian officials focusing on reducing civilian harm and resolving ongoing hostilities.