At least 260,000 Palestinians have been forced to abandon their homes in Gaza as Israel continues to pound the Palestinian enclave from the air, land, and sea, according to the United Nations.
The World Organisation said that dozens had died on both sides in heavy battle since Hamas launched a surprise attack on Saturday, prompting Israel’s retaliatory air campaign.
“Over 263,934 people are believed to have fled their homes in Gaza,” stated the UN humanitarian organisation OCHA in a statement Tuesday, adding that “this number is expected to rise further.”
Prior to Saturday, roughly 3,000 people had been relocated “due to previous escalations.”
“More than 1,000 people have been killed in Israel in the worst attack in the country’s 75-year history, while Gaza officials have reported 900 people killed since the air strikes began,” the UN added.
OCHA said the bombing of the campaign has destroyed over 1,000 dwelling units, and 560 have been seriously damaged, rendering them unusable.
“Among the displaced, nearly 175,500 people sought shelter in 88 schools run by the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.
“More than 14,500 others had fled to 12 government schools, while close to 74,000 were estimated to be staying with relatives and neighbours or seeking shelters in churches and other facilities.”
The number of internally displaced individuals in Gaza “represents the highest number of people displaced since the 50-day escalation of hostilities in 2014,” according to the report.
OCHA said in its statement that “Meeting basic needs is becoming increasingly challenging for those who have not been displaced.”
cc: Punch Ng
