Hundreds of thousands of civilians in Gaza remain trapped as an intense Israeli military operation continues to target the Jabaliya refugee camp, according to UN and human rights groups. Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN’s Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA), reported on X that “at least 400,000 people are trapped in the area,” with civilians facing severe danger and disruption. Witnesses describe harrowing scenes, with uncollected bodies lying in the streets due to the ongoing clashes.
Evacuation orders from Israeli authorities have pushed people to flee repeatedly, Lazzarini noted, though many are choosing to stay, believing nowhere in Gaza is safe. The offensive, now in its fifth day, has reportedly led to at least 60 deaths in recent strikes, according to the Israeli military, which states the operation is aimed at stopping Hamas activity in Jabaliya.
Around 400,000 people are being pressed yet again in Gaza to move south to an area that is overcrowded, polluted and lacking the basics for survival.
— António Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 9, 2024
Ordering civilians to evacuate does not keep them safe if they have no safe place to go and no shelter, food, medicine or water. pic.twitter.com/HvG1KpRbpP
UNRWA is facing severe restrictions, with shelters and essential services forced to close for the first time since the conflict began. Hunger is again on the rise in northern Gaza, with basic supplies nearly exhausted. This crisis has also placed a critical vaccination campaign for polio in jeopardy, threatening children’s health amid the escalating violence. Israel has not yet responded to Lazzarini’s statements but has previously stated that it continues to facilitate food aid to Gaza despite ongoing hostilities.
