Middle East Crisis: Ongoing Displacement and Aid Challenges in Gaza

May 18, 2024 – Gaza Strip

Over 630,000 Palestinians have fled their homes and shelters in southern Gaza since Israel began a military offensive on May 6, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA). This follows extensive ground operations and airstrikes by Israeli forces targeting Hamas. Most evacuees are moving towards central Gaza areas like Deir al Balah and Al-Mawasi, which are now severely overcrowded and facing dire conditions.

In Khan Younis, Mohammed al-Lahham and his family returned to their devastated city, only to find their home nearly flattened by the offensive. They join many others striving to survive in makeshift shelters within the rubble. Relief supplies are scarce, and aid delivery has been severely hampered by ongoing conflicts and border closures. Efforts to distribute humanitarian aid have faced significant obstacles, with Israel limiting access to the Rafah and Kerem Shalom border crossings.

Meanwhile, in Rafah, where the majority of displaced individuals initially took refuge, intensified Israeli military actions continue. The Israeli government describes this as a “limited operation” targeting Hamas, responsible for the October 7 attacks on Israel. However, satellite imagery suggests expansive destruction.

The humanitarian situation is further compounded by the near-total halt of aid supplies, exacerbating the existing crises of food, water, and medical shortages. U.S. aid via a makeshift pier has started but is not substituting the vital need for overland aid routes, later emphasized by the U.N.

The International Court of Justice has requested information from Israel on humanitarian conditions in Gaza. This comes amidst calls for an immediate ceasefire and increased humanitarian access.

In other developments, Israeli forces have recovered the bodies of three Israelis taken captive during the October 7 Hamas attacks. Negotiations to resolve the conflict and free hostages remain stalled. U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan plans to engage Israeli and Saudi officials in efforts to de-escalate tensions and pursue a ceasefire.

The ongoing conflict has resulted in extensive loss of life and severe humanitarian impacts on Gaza’s 2.3 million residents. The cumulative toll has seen tens of thousands wounded and displaced, with imminent risks of famine facing nearly half the population.