Volker Turk expressed concern over the latest evacuation orders affecting nearly a million people in Rafah, stating that there is no safe place in Gaza for them to go. The situation is dire.
As the Israeli military pressure intensified, more families, estimated in the thousands, were seen leaving Rafah on Sunday. Tank shells were hitting the southern Gaza city, prompting new evacuation orders for certain neighborhoods in the center of Rafah, bordering Egypt.
Israel has called for Palestinians in Rafah to head to an expanded humanitarian area in al-Mawasi, but there are worries about the safety of those fleeing there. The area is overcrowded with displaced people lacking essential supplies like food, water, and healthcare.
David Cameron, the UK’s foreign secretary, emphasized the need for a clear plan to protect civilians in Rafah before any major offensive. The closure of border crossings and fuel shortages are hindering aid delivery to Gaza.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres called for an immediate humanitarian ceasefire and increased aid to Gaza. The road to recovery from the devastation of war will be long.
Reports of heavy Israeli bombardment in the Jabaliya refugee camp and other areas in the northern Gaza Strip have further worsened the situation. Families continue to flee Rafah as military pressure mounts.
2024-05-12 08:39:35
Post from www.theguardian.com