UN Warns Against Israeli Evacuation Orders In Deir Al Balah

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has expressed concern over a recent Israeli military directive affecting Gaza's Deir al Balah region. This order, urging residents to relocate south, is seen as a severe setback to humanitarian operations in the conflict-stricken area.

According to OCHA, this directive impacts approximately 5.6 square kilometres of Deir al Balah, encompassing four neighbourhoods. The initial assessment suggests that between 50,000 and 80,000 individuals were present when the order was issued. Among them were around 30,000 people taking refuge in 57 displacement sites.

The newly designated zone includes vital humanitarian resources such as warehouses, health clinics, and medical points. Additionally, critical water infrastructure like the Southern Gaza Desalination Plant and several water wells are located here. Damage to these facilities could have dire consequences for the population's survival.

UN personnel remain stationed in Deir al Balah across numerous locations. Their coordinates have been shared with relevant authorities to ensure protection. These civilian sites must be safeguarded despite the displacement orders.

The statement highlighted that "With this latest order, the area of Gaza under displacement orders or within Israeli-militarised zones has risen to 87.8 percent, leaving 2.1 million civilians squeezed into a fragmented 12 percent of the Strip, where essential services have collapsed."

This new directive extends from Deir al Balah to the Mediterranean Sea, further dividing the Strip. It complicates UN and partner organisations' efforts to operate safely and effectively within Gaza, restricting humanitarian access when it is most crucial.

At least 1,000 families have already evacuated from the area following this order. The situation underscores the urgent need for protection and support for those affected by these ongoing displacements.

The escalating displacement crisis poses significant challenges for humanitarian agencies striving to deliver aid amidst deteriorating conditions in Gaza. The international community continues to monitor developments closely as efforts persist to address these pressing needs.

With inputs from WAM