In a briefing on Friday, Dujarric revealed that the Israeli military had instructed residents of 28 residential blocks in areas east of Gaza City to evacuate immediately, leading to the displacement of thousands over an area spanning more than seven square kilometers.
Dujarric also reported that an overnight military operation in al-Mawasi of Rafah resulted in numerous casualties and the displacement of at least 5,000 people.
Since the cross-border attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel has conducted extensive military operations in the Gaza Strip. The UN states that these actions have killed over 37,700 Palestinians, destroyed much of the enclave, and left most of its 2.3 million residents homeless and at risk of famine.
The spokesman highlighted that Israeli-imposed access constraints continue to "significantly" hinder the delivery of essential humanitarian aid and services throughout Gaza. The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported that, as of Thursday, Israeli authorities had facilitated less than half of more than 100 planned humanitarian assistance missions to northern Gaza this month. Many missions were impeded, denied access, or canceled due to logistical, operational, or security reasons.
"People are being displaced on a daily basis, especially in the Rafah and southern areas, but also in other areas," Dujarric said, emphasizing the ongoing humanitarian crisis. (ILKHA)