The situation in Gaza City is nothing short of cataclysmic, a UN official has told the BBC, as Israeli tanks and troops continue to advance on the third day of a ground offensive.
Olga Cherevko, a spokeswoman for the UN's humanitarian office, reported a constant stream of Palestinians heading south during her recent visit, yet hundreds of thousands remain trapped in the city. The World Health Organization (WHO) has raised alarms about overwhelmed hospitals on the verge of collapse due to restrictions on delivering lifesaving supplies.
The Israeli military asserts that its goal is to dismantle terrorist infrastructure and eliminate threats in Gazan territory, framing the offensive as a necessary measure to free hostages held by Hamas. However, the relentless assault on densely populated urban areas has resulted in widespread international condemnation.
The UN reported over 200,000 people have fled from northern to southern Gaza since mid-August, with nearly 55,000 making the journey in just the past few days as fears of escalating violence grow. Cherevko described harrowing scenes, noting the challenges faced by civilians attempting to evacuate with next to nothing.
As humanitarian conditions worsen, WHO officials warn that the conflict is forcing families into increasingly unsafe areas devoid of essential services. Hospitals, already overwhelmed, are battling against the surge in casualties while grappling with food shortages and equipment damages caused by military strikes.
With little assistance available, many displaced families find themselves sleeping rough on the streets without adequate shelter or resources. Reports indicate that women are giving birth in dire conditions, highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian action to address the escalating crisis in Gaza City.
