UN calls for unconditional protection for civilians in Gaza City
Published: Thursday, Jul 11th 2024, 02:40
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In light of the Israeli army's call for the evacuation of the embattled city of Gaza, the United Nations has called for the unconditional protection of the civilian population. "These civilians must be protected and their essential needs must be addressed, whether they flee or stay," said the Geneva-based UN emergency relief agency OCHA. All parties involved in the Gaza conflict must respect international humanitarian law at all times, said UN spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric in New York. The extent of the fighting and destruction in recent days during the ongoing negotiations on a ceasefire was "truly shocking".
The calls to flee are usually a sign of imminent new Israeli military operations. Israeli media and local residents reported that the army had distributed leaflets in the city of Gaza on Wednesday calling on people to leave the affected areas. According to residents, the majority of those affected are refusing to leave the areas.
Impact on humanitarian aid
OCHA warned that such "evacuation orders" repeatedly had a negative impact on humanitarian aid for civilians. The intensified fighting in Gaza City had led to the "largest evacuation since October", the World Food Program (WFP) announced on X. The kitchens supported by the UN organization are often the only source of food for families. However, the unpredictable situation in the area is limiting aid.
Israeli troops had already fought in the city of Gaza at the beginning of the war. In the meantime, the Islamist Hamas fighters are trying to regroup there and elsewhere. The city has been one of the hardest hit by the massive devastation caused by the war.
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