As the conflict between Israel and Hamas continues to escalate, the United Nations has disclosed that more than 260,000 people in the Gaza Strip have been forced to flee their homes due to heavy Israeli bombardments.
The air, land, and sea attacks from Israel have led to a significant displacement crisis in the Palestinian enclave.
According to the UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA, “Over 263,934 people in Gaza are believed to have fled their homes,” and it is anticipated that this number will rise further.
OCHA also noted that approximately 3,000 people had been displaced in previous escalations before Saturday’s events.
The ongoing conflict has caused a significant loss of life on both sides, with thousands reported dead. In Israel, more than 1,000 people have lost their lives in the heaviest attack the country has experienced in its 75-year history.
In Gaza, officials have reported around 900 casualties since the air strikes commenced.
Moreover, the Israeli bombing campaign has resulted in extensive damage to housing units, with over 1,000 units destroyed and 560 others rendered uninhabitable. The Palestinian authorities provided these figures.
Amid this crisis, nearly 175,500 displaced individuals have sought refuge in 88 schools operated by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugee.
The UN and other humanitarian organizations continue to work tirelessly to address the pressing needs of those affected by the conflict.
