Israel has initiated heavy bombardments and issued a mass evacuation order for Khan Younis, the second largest city in the Palestinian territory of Gaza. This new round of ground and air attacks has resulted in the displacement of thousands, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian crisis.
According to Antonio Guterres, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the fresh evacuation order underscores the dangerous situation for civilians in Gaza. “This latest command is another deadly move that people in Gaza are constantly forced to make,” Guterres stated, reiterating his call for an immediate ceasefire.
Stephen Dujarric, spokesperson for the United Nations, highlighted that Israel’s evacuation directive affects approximately one-third of Gaza. “People are now facing an impossible choice. If they leave their homes, they have nowhere to go. If they stay, dangerous consequences await,” he said.
The United Nations Security Council convened on Tuesday (July 2) to discuss the worsening situation in Gaza. Sigrid Kaag, the UN’s humanitarian aid coordinator for Gaza, expressed deep concern over Israel’s orders. She reported that since May 6, over one million people have been displaced due to Israeli strikes on Rafah alone. “Out of Gaza’s 1.9 million population, 80% are now displaced. In Gaza, there is no safe place,” Kaag emphasized.
Despite mediation efforts by the United States, Qatar, and Egypt, talks to establish a ceasefire between Hamas and Israel remain unsuccessful. Since the onset of the conflict, over 37,925 people have been killed and more than 87,141 injured in Gaza.
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