UN Warns: Israeli Evacuation Orders Disrupt Aid Efforts in Central Gaza

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued a stark warning regarding the consequences of recent Israeli military evacuation orders in Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. These directives have resulted in the displacement of humanitarian workers and significantly hindered the organization's capacity to provide crucial support and services to the local population.

The evacuation orders, issued approximately three days ago, have effectively reduced the size of the humanitarian zone initially established by Israel at the beginning of the conflict. This development has intensified concerns about the potential for hunger and disease outbreaks in overcrowded refugee camps, many of which lack access to basic necessities such as food and clean water.

Georgios Petropoulos, head of OCHA in Gaza, stated that while major humanitarian operations have not completely ceased, they are currently operating at their most restricted level due to inaccessibility issues. The situation has effectively disrupted a vital humanitarian hub that was established in Deir al-Balah following a previous evacuation from Rafah in May 2024.

The Israeli military has reported ongoing operations on the outskirts of Deir al-Balah, claiming to have uncovered a Hamas underground tunnel network and seized various weapons and military equipment. However, these actions have had severe repercussions on humanitarian efforts in the area.

OCHA has expressed particular concern about the impact on essential infrastructure, including UN warehouses, water facilities, and a desalination plant. The Al-Aqsa Martyrs Hospital, one of the few remaining functional medical facilities in Gaza and the primary hospital serving the central region, has also been affected. While not directly ordered to evacuate, many patients and staff have left the hospital, significantly reducing its capacity to provide healthcare.

"Panic surrounding the orders left only 100 at the hospital for treatment from about 650 patients."

The international medical organization Doctors Without Borders has decried the situation as unacceptable, emphasizing the critical role of Al-Aqsa Hospital in providing care amidst limited alternatives.

In the broader context of the conflict, the United States has reiterated its commitment to de-escalating regional tensions while maintaining readiness to support Israel if necessary. Concurrently, diplomatic efforts continue to secure a ceasefire agreement that would facilitate the release of hostages and end the war in Gaza.

Tensions have further escalated following controversial remarks by an Israeli far-right minister calling for the construction of a synagogue inside the al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem. This statement has drawn condemnation from Egypt and Qatar, with both countries describing it as irresponsible and provocative.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in a devastating toll on human life. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, at least 40,435 people have been killed and 93,534 injured in Gaza since the war's inception 10.5 months ago. The majority of casualties are reported to be women and children. Israeli authorities estimate that approximately 1,200 people were killed in the initial Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, including over 300 soldiers.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the international community faces mounting pressure to address the humanitarian crisis and work towards a lasting resolution to the conflict.