Over 680,000 Palestinians have been forcibly displaced across Gaza in the past three months amid escalating Israeli military operations, the United Nations confirmed Wednesday. Nearly 250,000 fled in June alone as Israeli authorities expanded evacuation orders in Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, now covering 82% of Gaza—an area exceeding 360 km². Five healthcare centers and three medical points lie within newly designated evacuation zones, crippling access to critical services.
Gaza’s Civil Defence reported at least 33 Palestinians killed by Israeli fire on June 18, including 11 civilians awaiting humanitarian aid in central Gaza. Over 100 others were wounded at the distribution point. "People risk their lives for a sack of flour, only to be targeted," stated spokesman Mahmud Bassal. Israel’s military claimed troops fired "warning shots at suspicious individuals," denying awareness of casualties. This follows Tuesday’s attack near a Khan Younis aid center that killed 53.
Israeli airstrikes hit three residential areas the same day, killing 19 civilians in homes and a displacement tent camp. Another strike northeast of Gaza City claimed three lives. Israel stated the operations aimed to "dismantle Hamas capabilities," though witnesses described attacks on clearly marked civilian shelters. Severe shortages of food, water, and fuel persist under Israel’s months-long blockade.
The displacement surge coincides with ongoing ICC cases against Israeli leaders for alleged war crimes and an ICJ genocide case. Since October 2023, Israel’s offensive has killed over 55,600 Palestinians—mostly women and children—and displaced 90% of Gaza’s population. Bassal condemned the evacuation zones as "death sentences disguised as orders," noting: "There’s nowhere left to flee."