The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stark warning that Israel's recent instructions for residents to leave Gaza City will exacerbate the already dire situation for Palestinian families. Many of these families have faced repeated displacement, compounding their suffering.

OCHA emphasized that civilians must be protected and their essential needs met, regardless of whether they choose to flee or stay. This principle is fundamental to international humanitarian law, which all parties must respect at all times. Despite ongoing efforts by the UN and its partners to support displaced communities, the frequent evacuation orders are disrupting humanitarian aid operations, forcing constant readjustments.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reported that the volatile situation in Gaza City is severely hampering its ability to provide food. WFP-supported kitchens often serve as the only food source for many families in the area.

Muhannad Hadi, the Humanitarian Coordinator for the Occupied Palestinian Territory, noted that while aid workers are responding, the assistance they can provide is far below what is needed.

Following a visit to Deir Al Balah, Hadi highlighted the urgent need for more funding and a safe environment for humanitarian operations. He witnessed the breakdown in public order and safety firsthand, observing damaged aid trucks and looted supplies at the Kerem Shalom crossing.

During his visit, Hadi also met with women’s groups who described the harrowing conditions in displacement sites. Issues such as extreme overcrowding, lack of hygiene products, and privacy concerns were prevalent. Women spoke of the necessity to cut their hair due to lice and the challenge of maintaining modesty and personal hygiene in crowded conditions.

At the IMC Field Hospital in Deir al Balah, Hadi, accompanied by Dr. Hanan Balkhy of the World Health Organization (WHO), commended the resilience of medical staff working under near-impossible conditions to provide trauma care despite severe shortages of basic medical supplies.

In addition to the crisis in Gaza, OCHA reported over 1,000 Israeli settler attacks against Palestinians in the West Bank since October, resulting in casualties and significant property damage. Nearly 1,400 individuals, including 660 children, have been displaced due to settler violence and access restrictions.

Furthermore, Israeli forces have killed 14 Palestinians between July 2 and 8, mostly during operations in Jenin and Tulkarm.