In a recent development amidst the escalating tensions between Israel and Palestine, the Israeli military has reportedly instructed the United Nations that all individuals residing north of Wadi Gaza should relocate to southern Gaza within the next 24 hours. According to a UN spokesperson, this directive affects approximately 1.1 million people, which accounts for nearly half of Gaza Strip’s total population. The affected area includes densely populated Gaza City.
The announcement was made shortly before midnight, aligning with both Gaza and Jerusalem time. The United Nations has expressed concerns over the significant humanitarian consequences that such a mass movement could impose on the affected population. In an official statement, the UN stated, “The United Nations considers it impossible for such a movement to take place without devastating humanitarian consequences.”
Israel has been intensifying its preparations for a potential ground offensive, amassing soldiers, heavy artillery, and tanks along the border of Gaza. The military has been conducting airstrikes on Gaza since Saturday following an unexpected attack by Hamas militants on Israel.
Responding to the urgent situation, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has issued an emergency appeal, urging countries to provide $294 million (£241 million) in emergency funding to address the immediate needs of Palestinians. The funds will be utilised to support approximately 1.2 million people, as stated by the agency.
Tragically, the conflict has resulted in a significant displacement crisis, with over 84,000 people in Gaza now homeless. Moreover, more than 423,000 individuals currently lack shelter. The situation is further compounded by the severe shortage of drinking water, affecting the majority of Gaza Strip’s residents. The agency emphasised that pregnant women, numbering around 50,000, are facing immense challenges in accessing essential healthcare services due to the ongoing attacks on healthcare facilities.
It is worth noting that the UN had previously requested $502 million to support Palestinian aid operations in 2023, but less than half of the required amount has been fulfilled thus far.
Meanwhile, Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Israel of employing white phosphorus, a controversial munition, in its bombardment of the Gaza Strip and Lebanon. White phosphorus, which can be highly dangerous when used as a weapon, has the potential to cause severe burns and poses a significant risk to civilians, particularly in densely populated areas. Israel’s military denied the use of weapons containing white phosphorus in Gaza but refrained from commenting on Lebanon.
HRW supported its claims by presenting videos from Gaza and Lebanon, which allegedly show explosions caused by white phosphorus artillery shells. Additionally, images captured by AFP news agency depict white streaks in the sky. While white phosphorus itself is not banned under international law due to its legal uses, its harmful effects on humans have led to stringent regulations on its use.
This is not the first time that Israel’s armed forces have been accused of employing white phosphorus during military operations. In 2008-2009, several rights groups alleged war crimes related to its use. The Israeli military stated in 2013 that it would phase out the utilization of white phosphorus as camouflage.
In response to the escalating tensions, Hamas’s military wing, the Qassam Brigades, has declared its capability to defend Gaza against a potential Israeli ground invasion. Spokesperson Abu Obeida emphasised that Hamas possesses a robust military infrastructure that enables an effective defence of the Gaza Strip, unlike anything Israel has encountered before.
While Israel has amassed troops and military equipment outside the Palestinian territory, they have thus far limited their actions to relentless airstrikes on Gaza.
