Over 89% Of Gaza Strip Subject To Evacuation Orders, Impacting Humanitarian Efforts

Jens Laerke, the spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), highlighted that repeated mass evacuation orders by the Israeli military in Gaza are severely limiting operational space for aid workers. This restriction is depriving Palestinians of essential relief and healthcare.

Laerke mentioned that humanitarian operations continue "where feasible," given that only 11 percent of Gaza is not under evacuation orders. He noted that since last Friday, three new evacuation orders have been issued for over 19 neighbourhoods in northern Gaza and Deir Al-Balah. These areas house more than 8,000 people, many of whom are sheltering in displacement sites.

The OCHA spokesperson stated that these new orders bring the total number of mass evacuations in August to 16. This situation forces Gazans from affected areas to concentrate within a designated zone in Al Mawasi, which spans about 41 square kilometres but lacks critical infrastructure and basic services.

Aid delivery in Al Mawasi is limited due to access and security issues. Severe overcrowding exacerbates health and sanitary conditions, with population density reaching up to 34,000 individuals per square kilometre. This makes it challenging to provide adequate relief and healthcare services.

In central Gaza’s Deir Al-Balah city, evacuation orders have displaced UN humanitarian staff, NGOs, service providers, and their families. The OCHA spokesperson expressed concerns about an order issued Sunday affecting 15 premises hosting UN and NGO aid workers.

Displacement of Aid Workers

This order also impacts four UN warehouses, Al Aqsa hospital, two clinics, three wells, one water reservoir, and one desalination plant. The displacement of these facilities further complicates the provision of essential services to the affected population.

According to OCHA, Gazans from areas under evacuation orders are increasingly forced into overcrowded zones lacking necessary infrastructure. Aid delivery remains limited due to ongoing access and security challenges.

"Humanitarian operations are ongoing 'where feasible'," Laerke reiterated. However, the shrinking operational space significantly hampers efforts to deliver much-needed relief items and healthcare services to war-weary Palestinians.

The situation underscores the urgent need for a resolution that allows humanitarian aid workers to operate freely and provide essential services without constant disruptions caused by evacuation orders.

With inputs from WAM