Gaza War 2023-2024: Largest Palestinian mass exodus since 1948
Gaza (Quds News Network) – As the war in Gaza crosses its 100th day, Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate the region, claiming more than 24,000 lives, with 70% of the casualties being women and children.
The United Nations declared the hundred days of war on Gaza as a century of suffering for its residents. In addition, UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini stated that Palestinians are facing the largest mass exodus since 1948 due to the ongoing bombardment.
Gaza residents endure a tragic displacement that hasn’t ceased since the start of Israeli attacks in early October. Many displaced individuals draw parallels between their experiences and the plight of their ancestors during the 1948 Nakba.
Tragedy of displacement
UNRWA spokesperson Tamara Al-Rifai has expressed concern and sadness over the catastrophe that has harmed numerous families, displacing and affecting many children.
After 100 days of war, 1.9 million people in Gaza are forced into displacement, leaving over 85% of the population without shelter, seeking refuge in UNRWA facilities and shelters.
Gaza’s population faces severe shortages in healthcare, disease prevention, and widespread epidemics. Recovering from this crisis poses a significant challenge, especially considering multiple accumulations and deteriorating health conditions.
UNRWA has called for an immediate ceasefire, respecting humanitarian rules, and emphasized the crucial need for massive humanitarian aid influx simultaneously with the cessation of hostilities.
Infrastructure and humanitarian crisis
Statistics in Gaza reveal that more than half of housing units have been destroyed or rendered unfit for habitation. According to Al-Rifai, returning to evacuated areas is impossible until assurances are given by Israeli occupation authorities to prevent future attacks.
“Despite continuous pressure to open humanitarian crossings and the Rafah crossing from the Egyptian side, the current situation remains insufficient for handling a large number of aid trucks, exacerbating the crisis,” she said.
International negotiations persist to separate political matters from humanitarian aid, ensuring Gazans receive their rightful assistance and protection under international humanitarian law.
