Israel's 'repeated evacuation orders' affect 80% of Gaza, leaving civilians at risk: UN

​​​​​​​By Merve Aydogan

HAMILTON, Canada (AA) - The UN on Tuesday reported that Israel's recurring evacuation orders affecting approximately 80% of the Gaza Strip have exposed civilians to risk.

"Israel's repeated evacuation orders, which are now in effect for about 80% of the Gaza Strip, leaves civilians exposed to the danger of hostilities and deprived of access to essential services," spokesman Stephane Dujarric said at a news conference.

Saying that northern Gaza has been under a tightening siege for nearly two months, Dujarric said around 65,000 to 500,000 people are unable to access regular food, water, electricity or reliable health care.

Dujarric stated that "the entire population of Gaza needs humanitarian assistance," and stressed the plight of more than 58,000 people with disabilities who are facing additional challenges in accessing food.

In the southern areas of Gaza, he said that "some people are skipping meals and searching through trash to find food."

Citing the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), Dujarric warned that humanitarian access continues to be obstructed.

"In November, out of 578 planned aid movements across Gaza that require coordination with Israeli authorities, only 41% were facilitated. More than a third were denied outright, and the rest were either impeded or canceled due to security and logistical challenges," he said.

Dujarric reported that aid missions to northern Gaza have been especially disrupted, with efforts to reach besieged areas such as Jabalya, Beit Lahiya and Beit Hanoun encountering severe obstacles.