Tens of thousands of Palestinians have fled to the densely populated town of Rafah in the southernmost part of Gaza, seeking refuge from Israeli airstrikes targeting central Gaza, the United Nations reported. Officials confirmed dozens of fatalities on Friday due to the bombings.
The recent unprecedented aerial and ground offensive by Israel has led to the displacement of approximately 85% of Gaza’s population, totaling 2.3 million people. Large numbers are seeking shelter in areas Israel declared safe but have also been bombed, highlighting the absence of safe havens in Gaza, as reported by the Associated Press.
The displaced people have reached Rafah using trucks, cars, and on foot. Those unable to find space in already overcrowded shelters have set up tents along roadways.
Juliette Touma, Communications Director at the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), said, “People are using any available space to set up shacks. Some are sleeping in their cars, others in the open air.”
Israel’s expanding military campaign, which has already devastated much of the northern region, is now focusing on refugee camps in Bureij, Nusseirat, and Maghazi in central Gaza. Israeli warplanes and artillery have been leveling buildings to the ground.
Khan Yunis, in the south, where Israel believes Hamas leaders are hiding, has become an intense battleground.
