Israel and Hamas are embroiled in the seventh day of intense fighting, with concerns mounting about a potential ground offensive as Israel orders an evacuation of northern Gaza.
The Israeli military has instructed the United Nations to ensure the evacuation of the entire population of northern Gaza to the southern part of the enclave, with a deadline of 24 hours. This evacuation mandate affects more than 1 million people, approximately half of Gaza’s population, including all U.N. staff and individuals taking shelter in U.N. facilities, such as schools, health centers, and clinics.
Palestinians with their belongings flee towards Northern Gaza after Israeli air strikes, on Oct. 13, 2023.
However, Israel’s evacuation order has faced strong opposition from Hamas and on the international stage. The United Nations has expressed grave concerns about the humanitarian consequences of this mass evacuation. Human Rights Watch points out that the conditions are dire, with damaged roads, fuel shortages, and hospitals within the evacuation zone, making it challenging for residents to leave.
Jan Egeland, the Secretary-General of the Norwegian Refugee Council, states that the Israeli military’s demand for over 1 million civilians to relocate absent safety guarantees or return would constitute a war crime of forcible transfer.
Meanwhile, Hamas leadership has urged Palestinians to remain in their homes and resist the Israeli evacuation order. Israel’s goal, as expressed by Hamas, is seen as an attempt to displace Palestinians from their land once more.
UNRWA, the U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees, has moved its operations center and international staff to the southern part of Gaza. The situation is further compounded by the overcrowded hospitals and clinics in northern Gaza, already struggling to treat the constant stream of injured individuals from ongoing bombings. The entire territory is under a complete Israeli siege, with no one allowed to leave and no supplies of fuel, food, or even water allowed in. The primary Gaza power plant is also non-operational.
🛑UNRWA relocated its central operations centre + international staff to the south to continue its humanitarian operations and support to its staff and Palestine Refugees in #Gaza
— UNRWA (@UNRWA) October 13, 2023
We urge the Israeli Authorities to protect all civilians in @UNRWA shelters including schools.
The simultaneous crisis involves the dwindling food and water supplies in U.N.-run shelters, which are expected to run out in a few days. Lynn Hastings, the United Nations Resident Coordinator for the Palestinian territories, reveals that the majority of Palestinians in Gaza currently lack access to safe drinking water, not even bottled water.
Israel’s evacuation order coincides with its ongoing military campaign against Hamas terrorists in the Gaza Strip. Anticipation of an Israeli ground assault in Gaza is mounting, although Israel has not yet announced a decision regarding such an operation.
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The United States is actively increasing its diplomatic and military support for Israel in response to unprecedented attacks by Hamas that claimed over 1,300 lives over the weekend. U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is scheduled to arrive in Israel following the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken. Blinken is on a diplomatic mission to five Arab states as he attempts to mediate the conflict in Gaza.
According to Palestinian officials, the strikes have resulted in the deaths of over 1,500 people, with the United Nations reporting that 340,000 Palestinians have been displaced. These numbers are expected to rise as more casualties are reported. Scores of people were killed in overnight attacks in Gaza, with one incident resulting in the death of 17 individuals in a house bombing in the Bureij refugee camp in central Gaza. Rescue workers are struggling to reach all the areas impacted by Israeli airstrikes.
Blinken has called on Israel to take all possible precautions to prevent harm to civilians in Gaza during its retaliatory actions. He emphasized the importance of democracies maintaining a higher standard even under challenging circumstances.
Israeli officials argue that their bombardment campaign is essential to eradicate Hamas and protect Israel. President Isaac Herzog asserted Israel’s right to self-defense in light of the ongoing attacks. As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community remains concerned about the escalating conflict and its humanitarian impact.
