UN: Less than 18% of Gaza’s area is accessible to residents

The United Nations warned of a “sharp deterioration in the humanitarian situation for Palestinians in the Gaza Strip,” noting that “residents are facing a lack of livelihood opportunities and limited shelter, in light of the escalation of Israeli attacks.”

In a statement published on its website today, documenting a number of Israeli violations against civilians in the Gaza Strip since Sunday, the organization said that a number of families who fled schools bombed by Israel “returned to the northern Gaza Strip due to the lack of alternatives and limited shelters in other areas.” It noted that five schools housing displaced persons in the northern Gaza Strip were bombed in the past 48 hours, resulting in deaths and injuries.

The statement noted that the Israeli army continues to issue evacuation orders in various areas of the Gaza Strip, followed by direct shelling, and sometimes preceding it. It also noted that “less than 18% of Gaza’s area is now accessible to residents.”

In the same context, UN spokesman Stéphane Dujarric said, “Military operations have intensified since the latest displacement order was issued on Sunday, displacing at least 1,500 families from northern Gaza and the eastern part of Gaza Governorate.” Dujarric stressed that “the decline in aid and basic services is depriving the people of Gaza of the means to survive,” calling for “urgent measures to open all crossings and facilitate the entry of life-saving supplies.”