Latest Update: Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Under Israeli Offensive

As the conflict in Gaza enters its 60th day, civilians already displaced are facing renewed chaos as Israel intensifies its ground incursion and bombardment of southern and central Gaza. Thousands of families are once again forced to seek shelter, fleeing the escalating violence in cities like Khan Younis and Deir Al Balah.

Many families, having initially fled from northern Gaza, find themselves displaced for a second time, pushed further south and west by the Israeli military. The ongoing conflict has severed access to humanitarian aid in Gaza’s north, compounding the challenges faced by those forced to relocate.

Fayza, a mother of seven in her 30s, shares the plight of many Gaza residents. Displaced twice since the conflict began on October 7, she describes leaving Jabalia camp with nothing but the clothes on their backs. After seeking refuge in Al Nuseirat in central Gaza, which also came under attack, she moved to Shuhada Al Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al Balah. However, the hospital had no available space, leaving Fayza and her children searching for any shelter. Eventually, they found refuge in a deserted bathroom in a girls’ school.

The situation is dire, with approximately 1.87 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) in Gaza, constituting over 81% of the enclave’s total population, according to the UN’s emergency aid coordination body (Ocha). Nearly 191,000 displaced people are estimated to be staying in unregistered venues, including public schools and hospitals, struggling to receive essential aid.

The overcrowding and unsanitary conditions in UNRWA shelters have led to a rise in communicable diseases, including diarrhea, respiratory infections, and hygiene-related conditions, as reported by Ocha on December 4.

Um Anas Al Serhi, a resident of Shati Camp on Gaza’s coastline, shares her harrowing experience. Forced to leave her home due to warnings from Israeli forces, she sought refuge at Al Shifa hospital in Gaza city. Living in the X-ray department with others who escaped the violence, Um Anas faced the challenges of witnessing the influx of casualties.

After a month at Al Shifa, leaflets dropped by Israeli forces compelled them to move again. As the conflict reached the hospital’s doorstep, Um Anas and others found themselves in a tent at Shuhada Al Aqsa Hospital, grappling with starvation and cold but uncertain of where to go if forced to relocate once more.

The plight of these displaced families underscores the urgent need for a humanitarian ceasefire and international efforts to address the escalating crisis in Gaza. As the conflict persists, the international community faces the challenge of delivering aid to those in need and advocating for a lasting and just resolution to the ongoing conflict.