UN reports 280,000 newly displaced in Gaza over past two weeks

United Nations: Escalating violence in Gaza has led to the displacement of approximately 280,000 people over the past two weeks, according to UN humanitarians. Many are now seeking shelter in overcrowded, unsanitary facilities plagued by fleas and mites.

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said more Israeli displacement orders were issued, again forcing people to flee in search of safety.

"Increasing numbers of people are moving into the remaining shelters which are already overcrowded," OCHA said. "Infestations of fleas and mites are reported, causing skin rashes and other health issues."

The aid blockade in Gaza is severely hindering efforts to address the humanitarian crisis, primarily due to the scarcity of materials needed to improve hygiene conditions.

OCHA said the United Nations and its humanitarian partners continue to respond to the immense needs of the population as the conditions allow. The month-long blockade on the entry of all humanitarian aid and essential goods deprives the population of basic needs. Food assistance inside Gaza is rapidly running out.

Despite the challenges, food security partners have managed to deliver over 900,000 hot meals daily in Gaza. However, OCHA is emphasising the need for immediate action to reopen crossings for cargo and humanitarian aid. This would ensure the uninterrupted flow of essential supplies to those affected by the crisis.

Earlier, the Israeli military ordered civilians in multiple areas of the northern Gaza Strip to evacuate immediately, citing intercepted rocket fire from Palestinian territory.

Military spokesman Avichay Adraee on Wednesday urged residents to "move immediately west to the shelters in Gaza City," accusing "terrorist organisations" of launching attacks "from among civilians".

(inputs from IANS)