The ongoing conflict in the Gaza Strip has led to the displacement of over 260,000 people as Israeli bombardments, both from the air and sea, persist. The United Nations reports that this number is expected to rise. Prior to the latest escalation, approximately 3,000 people had already been displaced due to earlier hostilities.
The toll on both sides of the conflict has been devastating, with thousands of casualties. Israel has experienced its worst attack in 75 years, resulting in over 1,000 deaths. Meanwhile, Gaza officials have reported around 900 fatalities since the air strikes commenced.
The air campaign has taken a severe toll on housing in Gaza, destroying over 1,000 housing units, rendering 560 uninhabitable, according to OCHA. In response, nearly 175,500 displaced individuals have sought refuge in 88 schools administered by UNRWA, a UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees. An additional 14,500 have taken shelter in government schools, while roughly 74,000 are staying with relatives, and neighbors, or finding refuge in churches and other facilities.
The current number of displaced people in Gaza is the highest since the 50-day escalation of hostilities in 2014. The situation is particularly dire for those who remain in their homes, as meeting basic needs becomes increasingly challenging.
Furthermore, Israel has imposed a “complete siege” on the already blockaded Gaza Strip, resulting in a lack of access to essential supplies like food, water, fuel, and electricity. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has expressed concerns about the worsening humanitarian situation in the region.
