Latest evacuation in Deir al Balah affects up to 80,000 people and key infrastructure, with UN warning of 'life-threatening consequences'
The UN released a statement Sunday condemning Israel's latest evacuation order in central Gaza, warning it could cripple humanitarian operations and worsen the already dire situation for civilians.
The Israeli military's directive covers 5.6 square kilometers (2.16 square miles) across four neighborhoods in Deir al Balah, displacing an estimated 50,000-80,000 people, including 30,000 sheltering in 57 displacement sites, according to the UN.
“At least 1,000 families have fled the area in the recent hours,” said the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).
“Today's mass displacement order issued by the Israeli military has dealt yet another devastating blow to the already fragile lifelines keeping people alive across the Gaza Strip,” the UN said in the statement.
The newly designated area includes key aid warehouses, four health clinics and critical water infrastructure, including the Southern Gaza Desalination Plant.
“Any damage to this infrastructure will have life-threatening consequences,” OCHA warned.
UN staff remain in the area, and their locations have been shared with the relevant parties.
“These locations – as with all civilian sites – must be protected, regardless of displacement orders,” the UN emphasized.
With this order, 87.8% of Gaza is now either under evacuation or militarized zones, leaving 2.1 million people confined to 12% of the territory.
The UN said the directive cuts Deir al Balah off from the Mediterranean, further fragmenting Gaza and “choking humanitarian access when it is needed most.”
