Palestine (Washington Insider Magazine) – Thousands of residents in Gaza have fled westward toward Al Mawasi after the Israeli military issued a new evacuation order on Thursday, according to reports from UN humanitarian partners on the ground. The order impacts residents in parts of eastern and central Khan Younis, and the Al Salqa area of Deir Al-Balah. Initial estimates suggest that over 15,500 people, spanning more than 30 neighborhoods, were living in the affected areas.
UN deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq reiterated the need for all parties in the conflict to adhere to international humanitarian law, stressing the importance of protecting civilians and civilian infrastructure. Haq urged civilians to be allowed to move to safer areas and return when conditions permit. He stressed the necessity of ensuring access to humanitarian assistance for those who choose to stay or leave.
Water and Sanitation Crisis
According to the UN Humanitarian Affairs Office, OCHA, Palestinians continue to face challenging health risks as a result of limited water production and sewage pumping in Gaza. A dearth of generators and alternate energy sources impede efforts to expand water, sanitation, and hygiene, as well as a scarcity of spare parts to power existing generators. OCHA also stated that a lack of gasoline is a significant concern. Late this month, humanitarian partners providing water, sanitation, and hygiene services reported receiving a little over 75,000 litres of gasoline. While this represents a roughly 30% increase from June, it is still only 70% of the minimal operational criteria.
Food Distribution Disrupted
According to Miragenews, the World Food Programme (WFP) has warned that ongoing hostilities, damaged infrastructure, and a lack of public safety have severely disrupted food transport operations in Gaza, leading to reduced rations. The WFP urgently needs more fuel, increased food supplies, and greater capacity to deliver hot meals, particularly in Gaza City and northern Gaza. Despite reaching around one million people in July, the agency noted that food distribution points continue to face significant challenges due to the conflict and infrastructure damage.
In the West Bank, the WFP estimates that escalating violence could increase the number of people facing food insecurity to at least 600,000, up from 352,000 at the start of last year. The situation is worsening as the conflict escalates, affecting food access for many.
Ongoing Conflict Along the Blue Line
The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) reported that 10 months of continued exchanges of fire across the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon have resulted in numerous civilian casualties, displacements, and injuries on both sides. UNIFIL continues to provide displaced civilians in its area of operations with free medical and dental care to thousands. The UN has called for all parties to return to a cessation of hostilities and to recommit to Security Council resolution 1701, which aims to end hostilities and establish a demilitarized zone between Israel and Hezbollah.
In response to escalating violence in the Middle East, UN officials, including Middle East envoy Tor Wennesland and Security Coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, are actively engaged in efforts to de-escalate the situation. UNIFIL’s Head of Mission and Force Commander, Lt. Gen. Aroldo Lázaro, is also in contact with various parties in the region to promote stability.
