The United Nations has been forced to evacuate its humanitarian aid hub in the besieged Gaza Strip for the second time since the start of the war, due to new Israeli evacuation orders. The shutdown of the main UN operations center has affected aid deliveries in the region, making it extremely difficult for UN staff to carry out their work. Despite the challenges, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric stated that aid operations are continuing as much as possible, with staff seizing every opportunity to deliver aid as conditions allow.
The evacuation orders have affected 19 neighborhoods in the northern Gaza Strip and Deir el-Balah, impacting UN and NGO staff and their families living in the area. UN warehouses, water reservoirs, health facilities, and emergency shelters for displaced people have all been affected by the recent evacuation orders. The timing of the orders has posed challenges for the upcoming polio vaccination campaign in Gaza.
The International Rescue Committee has called for all parties to protect civilians and facilitate humanitarian access in the region, emphasizing the importance of allowing humanitarian actors to continue their work without threats from displacement or military operations. Despite the challenges faced by the UN and other humanitarian groups, efforts to deliver aid in Gaza continue amidst the ongoing conflict that has displaced thousands and caused significant humanitarian crises in the region.
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