UNRWA: 800,000 people have fled Rafah since the start of the Israeli operation

The director of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) stated this Saturday that 800,000 people have been “forced to flee” Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip, since the Israeli military operation began on December 6. May.

“Almost half of the population of Rafah, 800,000 people, are on the road having been forced to flee since Israeli forces began the military operation in the area on May 6,” said UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini, on the social network

Following evacuation orders, Gazans fled to “the central areas and Khan Yunis, including destroyed buildings,” he said.

“Each time, they are forced to leave behind the few belongings they have (…) Each time, they have to start from scratch, all over again,” Lazzarini added.

Israel claims that the ground assault on Rafah is crucial to its fight against the Hamas terrorist group, as it claims that its last strongholds are in this southern Gaza city.

Before starting their operation, Israeli forces called for the evacuation of some areas of eastern Rafah.

The international community, including the United States – Israel’s main ally – has shown its concern and opposition to an invasion of the city, where 1.4 million civilians were taking refuge before the operation began.

Lazzarini assured that people are fleeing to areas without water supply or adequate sanitation.

Al Mawasi, a 14 km² town on the coast, as well as the central city of Deir al Balah, are “teeming” with new displaced people, the UNRWA chief added.