The situation in Gaza City is nothing short of cataclysmic, a UN official has reported, as Israeli tanks and troops continue their ground offensive for a third day.
Olga Cherevko, a spokeswoman for the UN's humanitarian office, described a constant exodus of Palestinians fleeing south, while hundreds of thousands remain trapped in the city.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that hospitals, overwhelmed with patients, are on the brink of collapse due to blockages in delivering lifesaving supplies.
Israel claims its forces are dismantling terror infrastructure in Gaza City, focusing on freeing hostages held by Hamas and eliminating what they refer to as the group's main stronghold.
This military offensive, which targets Gaza's most densely populated areas, has drawn widespread international denunciation amid ongoing reports of civilian casualties and humanitarian distress.
The UN expressed alarm as approximately 200,000 people have reportedly moved from northern to southern Gaza since mid-August. Many have made this dangerous journey on foot, carrying only what they can manage. Cherevko noted, The things there, and the scenes on the way to Gaza City, are nothing short of cataclysmic.
Amid continued air and ground assaults, hospitals across Gaza operate at critical occupancy levels, raising concerns over the delivery of medical care in a territory with a population of 2.1 million amidst escalating violence.
Cherevko and WHO officials reaffirmed the urgent need for humanitarian access and expressed deep concern for the vulnerable populations, particularly the injured and families with children who cannot escape the conflict zone.
Reports indicated that many families attempting to flee face exorbitant transportation costs, leaving them with few options but to traverse dangerous terrain on foot. Upon reaching safer areas, the lack of shelter amplifies their desperation, leaving many with nowhere to go.
As the conflict escalates, the humanitarian situation in Gaza deteriorates, with local agencies and international bodies calling for immediate action to alleviate suffering.
