75,000 Displaced as Israel Expands Evacuation Orders in Gaza’s Khan Yunis

APP

New York:  More than 75,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Khan Yunis in southwest Gaza in the past few days, according to Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA).

“Over the decades, Palestinian civilians have been caught up in wars and conflicts far too many times,” Lazzarini stated on X.

“Just in the past few days, more than 75,000 people have been displaced in southwest Gaza,” he added.

Lazzarini highlighted that the Israeli authorities issued additional evacuation orders overnight, forcing even more people to flee, “again and again.”

Some fleeing Palestinians are only able to carry their children, while others are limited to packing their entire lives into one small bag.

“They are going to overcrowded places where shelters are already overflowing with families. They have lost everything and need everything,” Lazzarini said.

“Unlike in other wars, the people of Gaza are trapped and have nowhere to go,” he added.

Late Saturday and early Sunday, the Israeli army issued evacuation orders for residents in the Gaza Strip, including the latest for the “humanitarian safe zone” in Khan Younis. This marks the third expansion of evacuation orders in Khan Younis in about a week, following the announcement of a new military operation on Friday.

Despite appeals from mediators, including Egypt, the US, and Qatar, to halt hostilities and reach a cease-fire and a hostage exchange agreement, Israel continues its military actions against Gaza.

The Israeli onslaught has resulted in nearly 39,800 casualties since October 7. More than 10 months into the conflict, large areas of Gaza remain in ruins amid a severe blockade of food, clean water, and medicine.

Israel faces accusations of genocide at the International Court of Justice, which has ordered an immediate halt to its military operations in the southern city of Rafah. Over 1 million Palestinians had sought refuge in Rafah before it was invaded on May 6.