The ongoing Israeli bombardment in Rafah has triggered a mass exodus, with nearly 360,000 individuals fleeing the area over the past week, reports the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA. The situation has severely hindered humanitarian aid deliveries and led to the tragic death of another UN aid worker.

Israeli military leafleting ordering evacuation from eastern Rafah has contributed to the mass displacement. The situation is compounded by restricted humanitarian access across Gaza, posing life-threatening risks to the already vulnerable population.

One week into Israel’s military offensive in Rafah, the seizure of key border crossings has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis. UNRWA urgently appeals for safe passage for aid and workers amidst reports of continued clashes and shelling in Jabalia refugee camp.

The conflict has claimed another victim, with a senior projects officer killed in an Israeli strike in Deir Al Balah. This loss adds to the 188 UN staff casualties since the war’s onset.

In response to the escalating crisis, the UN reiterates its $2.8 billion aid appeal to support over three million people in Gaza and the West Bank. The dire situation is underscored by Assistant-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Joyce Msuya, who highlights the urgent need for essential supplies, particularly for women and children facing dire conditions.

Despite ongoing hostilities, the UN emphasizes the importance of sustained humanitarian efforts. Access negotiations continue, enabling the coordination of aid responses and the retrieval of casualties.

Meanwhile, reports of Palestinian building demolitions in Al’Arrub Camp highlight the ongoing challenges faced by communities in the West Bank. The WHO warns of jeopardized healthcare services in Rafah due to fuel shortages, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

As the conflict persists, the international community’s support remains vital in addressing the urgent needs of those affected by the violence in Gaza and the West Bank.