800,000 people flee Rafah after Israeli operation – DW – 05/18/2024

Director of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNHCR)UNRWA) said this Saturday (05/18/2024), 800,000 people were “forced to flee” south of Rafah. Gaza StripSince the Israeli military operation began on May 6.

“Nearly half of Rafah’s population, 800,000 people, are on the road, forced to leave since Israeli forces launched a military operation in the area on May 6,” UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said on social media.

Following evacuation orders, Gazans fled to “central areas and Khan Yunis, including destroyed buildings,” he said.

“Each time, they are forced to leave some of their belongings behind (…) and each time, they have to start anew, again,” Lazzarini added.

Israel Says ground attack on Rafa This is important for your struggle Against the terrorist group HamasIt promises to have its last strongholds in this city in southern Gaza.

Before launching their operation, Israeli forces called for the evacuation of parts of East Rafah.

The International communityIsrael’s main ally, including the United States, has expressed concern and opposition to the invasion of the city, where 1.4 million civilians took refuge before the operation began.

Lazzarini assured that people are migrating to areas without access to water or adequate sanitation.

Al Mawazi, a 14 km² city on the coast, and the central city of Deir al-Bala, are “overwhelmed” by newly displaced people, the UNRWA chief added.

JU (afp, rtre)