UNITED NATIONS: Reports indicate that Israel has instructed around 100,000 Palestinians to evacuate Rafah in anticipation of a potential military operation. Meanwhile, Hamas has reportedly accepted the latest ceasefire proposal from Israel. Despite these developments, UN humanitarian officials have reiterated their commitment to remaining in the vital aid hub.
Hamas’s supreme leader, Ismail Haniyeh, supposedly confirmed the ceasefire acceptance in a phone call with Qatar’s Prime Minister and a senior Egyptian minister, though Israel has yet to respond to these reports. The UN Agency for Palestine Refugees, UNRWA, warned that an Israeli offensive in Rafah would lead to civilian suffering and fatalities, potentially devastating the lives of 1.4 million people.
UNRWA and UNICEF both emphasized the critical situation, with UNRWA stating that it will maintain its presence in Rafah to provide lifesaving aid and UNICEF warning of catastrophic risks to the 600,000 children in the area. The UN agencies highlighted the dangers posed by increased violence and the likelihood of civilian casualties in any military move on Rafah.
Additionally, the head of the UN World Food Programme (WFP), Cindy McCain, expressed concern over a “full-blown famine” in northern Gaza, which is spreading south. She echoed concerns about aid restrictions and delays imposed by Israeli authorities, as highlighted by UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini.
The situation was further complicated by leaflet drops by the Israeli military advising communities to move to the “safe zone” of Al Mawasi. However, UN officials rejected this as forced displacement, pointing out the lack of infrastructure and safety concerns in Al Mawasi.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, condemned the evacuation order, warning of increased civilian suffering and destruction. He emphasized that forcibly relocating people to areas with little shelter and access to humanitarian assistance violates international humanitarian and human rights laws, exposing them to danger and misery.
—APP
