Lazzarini: Israel’s attacks on Rafah have caused displacement of 800,000 people
Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA) Philippe Lazzarini said in a statement on X on Saturday that the Israeli continuous attacks on Rafah in the south of Gaza Strip have caused the displacement of 800,000 Palestinians from the city, affirming that there are no safe zones or places across Gaza Strip.
“Once again, nearly half of the population of Rafah ,or 800,000 people, are on the road, having been forced to flee since the Israeli Forces started the military operation in the area on May 6th,” Lazzarini said.
“Since the war in Gaza began, Palestinians have been forced to flee multiple times in search of safety that they have never found, including in UNRWA shelters. When people move, they are exposed, without safe passage or protection,” he added.
He pointed out that the areas that people are fleeing to now do not have safe water supplies or sanitation facilities,” he said, pointing out that Al-Mawassi coastal area and Deir Al-Balah city in central Gaza Strip is ill-equipped to handle the influx of displaced persons.
Lazzarini warned that “the humanitarian community does not have any more supplies to give out, including food and other basic items. The key crossings into Gaza remain closed or unsafe to access as they are located near or in combat zones”. Since May 6th, only 33 aid trucks have reached southern Gaza, a mere fraction of what is needed”.
Hamda Mustsfa