UN Urges Israel to Cancel Northern Gaza Evacuation Order

The United Nations has publicly urged Israel to annul an order it passed that commands approximately 1.1 million inhabitants of northern Gaza to vacate the area within a 24-hour span. This appeal is based on humanitarian grounds, according to Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN secretary-general.

This instruction was extended to not only the local population of Gaza but encompasses United Nations staff and individuals heeding shelter in UN facilities which include schools, health centres and clinics. It was reported to the UN by the Israeli military.

The UNRWA, which aids Palestinian refugees, is currently providing refuge to over 60 percent of 423 000 individuals displaced in recent days due to Gaza Strip conflict. It is unclear how many of these displaced persons are currently in Gaza north of Wadi Gaza.

On the heels of a Saturday assault by Hamas gunmen on Israel's small towns, kibbutzim, and a music festival, Israel has since retaliated with a substantial show of might. Israel's retaliation involved a flurry of air and artillery strikes on Gaza, which took a toll on properties and lives. Over 1400 individuals were reported dead, a significant portion being civilians.

In the wake of the escalating strife in the region, a Security Council meeting to discuss this ongoing conflict has been slated for Friday.