Half a million flee as fighting erupts in Rafah, northern Gaza

The United Nations reports that recent intensifications in Israeli military operations across Gaza have displaced nearly half a million Palestinians. In the central region of Gaza, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of at least 12 individuals.

According to the United Nations’ refugee agency, approximately 360,000 people have been forced to flee from Rafah in southern Gaza within the last week. Prior to the escalation, Rafah housed about 1.3 million people. Israeli authorities describe Rafah as the final stronghold of Hamas in the region.

In northern Gaza, Israeli forces continue to engage with Hamas militants. Following major military initiatives earlier in the conflict, recent evacuation directives have displaced an additional 100,000 residents, as stated by Farhan Haq, a U.N. deputy spokesman.

As of now, the southern Gaza border crossings have not received any food supplies for a week. The U.N. has highlighted a dire situation where approximately 1.1 million Palestinians are on the verge of starvation, with the north experiencing a severe famine.

Over the past seven months, Israeli military actions in Gaza have resulted in over 35,000 deaths, predominantly among women and children, local health authorities report.

The conflict ignited on October 7 when Hamas launched attacks on southern Israel, resulting in roughly 1,200 civilian deaths and the abduction of about 250 individuals. Israel reports that militants still hold around 100 hostages and possess the remains of over 30 others.