The UN’s humanitarian aid operation in the Gaza Strip is facing challenges as Israeli military evacuation orders disrupt their efforts. Despite the obstacles, the UN is determined to continue delivering life-saving aid to Palestinian civilians.
On Monday, UN staff had to quickly relocate after the Israeli military issued an evacuation order covering a part of the humanitarian zone around the town of Deir al-Balah, where the UN had its main operations center. The military stated that the evacuation was necessary to protect civilians while targeting Hamas “terror operatives” in the area.
The UN, which is the primary provider of humanitarian aid in Gaza, has been forced to evacuate a significant portion of the territory, affecting the lives of 1.8 million people who are now sheltering inside the limited humanitarian zone. The lack of critical infrastructure and basic services in the area has further exacerbated the situation.
Despite the challenges, the UN is committed to staying in Gaza to deliver aid. However, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have given evacuation orders to UN personnel, affecting several UN and NGO premises, warehouses, and medical facilities. The timing of these evacuations is particularly concerning as a polio vaccination campaign is scheduled to begin soon.
The IDF has stated that the evacuation orders were necessary for essential operations against Hamas and that they are working with the international community to find alternative locations for aid organizations to continue their activities. The IDF also emphasized that the suspension of UN activities only affects a specific area and that operations are ongoing at other locations.
In the midst of these challenges, violence continues in Gaza, with reports of Palestinians being killed in air strikes near schools and in city centers. The IDF announced the recovery of the body of an Israeli soldier who had been abducted and held hostage in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza remains tense, with the UN and other aid organizations working tirelessly to provide assistance to those in need despite the obstacles they face.
