Thousands of Palestinians Flee After Israeli Bombardment.
Thousands of Palestinians flee after Israeli bombardment in the newly declared evacuation zone in Khan Younis. Nearly 250,000 residents were forced to leave their homes on Tuesday, July 2, as Israel bombed the town just weeks after its tanks left the area.
Displacement Crisis.
Some residents had just returned from Rafah, where they were displaced a few weeks ago when the new evacuation order was issued, causing panic among these people who have already been displaced several times. The continuous displacement has severely impacted the lives of the residents, many of whom are struggling to find safety and shelter.
Humanitarian Safe Zone.
Many residents are reported to have fled to a humanitarian safe zone in the Al-Mawasi area, which was already filled with displaced families. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) reports that due to a lack of space to build tents, water, sanitation equipment, and other infrastructure, people are forced to spend their nights in vehicles or on their donkey carts.
Extent of Displacement.
The UN humanitarian coordinator for Gaza, Sigrid Kaag, told the UN Security Council that about 80 percent of the population, or 1.9 million people, are now displaced. This massive displacement is causing a significant humanitarian crisis in the region, with many lacking basic necessities and adequate shelter.
Impact on Healthcare.
The evacuation order also includes Gaza’s European Hospital, which serves both Rafah and Khan Younis. The hospital’s evacuation has further strained the already overwhelmed healthcare system in the region, making it difficult for the injured and sick to receive proper medical care.
Largest Evacuation Since October 2023.
The order, covering an area of 1,179 square kilometers, is the largest evacuation order since October 2023. This large-scale evacuation has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, with international organizations struggling to provide adequate aid and support to the displaced population.
This article highlights the severe impact of the recent Israeli bombardment on the residents of Khan Younis and the surrounding areas, emphasizing the urgent need for humanitarian assistance and a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict.