UN Humanitarian Aid in Gaza Halts Amid New Evacuation Orders

United Nations humanitarian aid operations in Gaza ceased on Monday due to new Israeli evacuation orders for Deir Al-Balah. Despite challenges, U.N. officials are determined to continue their work while ensuring the safety of their personnel. The ongoing conflict has resulted in substantial casualties and displacement.

United Nations humanitarian aid operations in Gaza came to a standstill on Monday after Israel issued fresh evacuation orders for Deir Al-Balah late Sunday night. A senior U.N. official, who chose to remain anonymous, confirmed the halt, stating, 'We're unable to deliver today with the conditions that we're in.'

Despite these challenges, the official stressed the U.N.'s commitment to remain in Gaza to support the local population. 'We're not leaving because the people need us there,' the official said. 'We're trying to balance the need of the population with the need for safety and security of the U.N. personnel.' Efforts are underway to find ways to continue operations under the constrained conditions.

The U.N. had previously relocated its main command operations and most personnel to Deir Al-Balah after Israel ordered an evacuation of Rafah. 'Where do we move now?' the official questioned, noting that the relocation had to be executed so swiftly that essential equipment was left behind. The official concluded, 'The challenge is to find a place where we can reset and effectively operate as the space to operate is being restricted more and more.'

The current conflict, which erupted on October 7, 2023, has seen Hamas gunmen killing around 1,200 Israelis and taking about 250 hostages according to Israeli figures. Since then, Israel's military operations have devastated large parts of Gaza, displacing almost all of its 2.3 million residents, and leading to severe humanitarian crises, including the deaths of at least 40,000 people, according to Palestinian health authorities.

(With inputs from agencies.)