Gaza's Humanitarian Crisis Intensifies Amid Evacuations and Conflict

Israel’s military has ordered the evacuation of a Gaza humanitarian zone for an operation against Hamas militants. This area, densely populated with Palestinian refugees, now faces another wave of displacements amid ongoing conflict. Earlier airstrikes in Khan Younis killed at least 70 people as the region’s humanitarian situation worsens.

Israel's military ordered the evacuation of a densely populated part of Gaza on Saturday, as it planned an operation against Hamas militants in Khan Younis, specifically targeting parts of the Muwasi tent camp, where thousands seek refuge.

This order is in response to rocket fire that Israel claims originates from the area. It's the second such evacuation in a week in an area meant for Palestinians fleeing other parts of Gaza. Many residents have been displaced multiple times in search of safety during Israel's ongoing air and ground campaign.

Following the evacuation order, multiple Israeli airstrikes on Monday hit the vicinity of Khan Younis, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 people, according to Gaza's Health Ministry, which cited figures from Nasser Hospital.

The impacted zone forms part of a 60-square-kilometer "humanitarian zone" where Israel has directed Palestinians throughout the war. The area, largely occupied by tent camps with limited sanitation, medical facilities, and aid, shelters approximately 1.8 million Palestinians—more than half of Gaza's pre-war population of 2.3 million.

The Gaza war has claimed over 39,100 Palestinian lives, as per the territory's Health Ministry, which doesn't distinguish between combatants and civilians. The U.N. estimates suggest about 17,000 children are now unaccompanied, a figure that likely increased since February.

The conflict began with a Hamas militant assault on southern Israel on October 7, killing 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and resulting in around 250 hostages. Israeli authorities believe about 115 hostages are still in Gaza, with around a third presumed dead.

(With inputs from agencies.)