The situation in the tent camp along the Deir al-Balah beachfront in southern Gaza is dire, with hunger and desperation palpable among the thousands of Palestinians who have been pressed into the area by successive evacuation orders from the Israeli military. As waves of evacuees arrive, food and water are running scarce, with at least 84% of Gaza now falling within the evacuation zone. The U.N. estimates that 90% of Gaza’s 2.1 million residents have been displaced over the course of the war, with 13 evacuation orders issued since July 22, significantly reducing the size of the humanitarian zone declared by Israel at the start of the conflict.
Displaced Palestinians living along the beach in Deir al-Balah are struggling to cope with the increasing crowding and lack of resources. Muhammad Al-Qayed and Adham Hijazi both express concerns about where the recently displaced individuals will find food and water, with Hijazi even contemplating drinking seawater to survive. The Israeli military justifies the evacuations by stating that Hamas has launched rockets from within the humanitarian zone, and has warned of imminent military action against militants in the area.
Yasser Felfel, who was initially displaced from northern Gaza, has seen his camp grow significantly as more evacuees arrive. The U.N. reports that in August alone, evacuation orders were issued roughly every two days, displacing nearly 250,000 people. The displaced individuals are facing extreme challenges, with many having been uprooted multiple times and are now struggling to find adequate food and water. The U.N.’s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs in Gaza notes that many displaced individuals are exhausted and financially strained.
International mediators are working to negotiate a cease-fire agreement between Israel and Hamas as the conflict in Gaza continues. The war began when Hamas militants crossed into Israel, resulting in casualties and hostages on both sides. The retaliatory Israeli offensive has caused extensive damage in Gaza, killing thousands and damaging infrastructure. The ongoing war has also impacted water supply in Deir al-Balah, with a 70% decrease as a result of the evacuations. The lack of clean water has led to outbreaks of skin diseases and other health issues, including Gaza’s first confirmed case of polio.
Aid groups are struggling to provide assistance in the increasingly challenging conditions. The U.N. World Food Program has lost access to its warehouse in central Deir al-Balah due to recent evacuation orders, further complicating efforts to provide essential supplies. Displaced Palestinians like Abu Mohammad are facing a dire situation with limited access to water, food, money, and work. Mohammad, who has been displaced seven times, expresses a deep sense of despair and calls for an end to the suffering, highlighting the urgent and critical needs of the displaced individuals in Gaza.
