The situation in Gaza City is nothing short of cataclysmic, a UN official has reported, 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, indicated she witnessed a steady flow of Palestinians heading south during a recent visit, yet hundreds of thousands remain in the city.
The World Health Organization (WHO) alerted that overwhelmed hospitals are nearing collapse due to blockages preventing lifesaving supplies.
The Israeli military has stated its agenda includes dismantling terror infrastructure and eliminating terrorists in Gaza City.
Military objectives also include rescuing hostages held by Hamas and eliminating approximately 3,000 fighters, in what has been characterized as the group's main stronghold. However, the assault on Gaza's most populated urban area, home to around one million residents and recently confirmed to be facing famine, has incited significant international backlash.
According to UN records, at least 200,000 people have fled from northern to southern Gaza since mid-August, with 55,000 making the journey just this past Sunday. Cherevko described the scenes as nothing short of cataclysmic, highlighting the challenges faced by many who evade the conflict on foot, carrying minimal belongings without guarantees of shelter or safety.
The WHO's director general condemned the military's actions, emphasizing the humanitarian impact and the risk of severe suffering among displaced families. Current data shows the territory’s hospitals are critically overcrowded, with occupancy rates soaring to between 180% to 300%.
As the conflict unfolds, the local population is caught in dire circumstances, with shortages exacerbating health risks, amid continued air and ground assaults targeting both military and civilian areas.
