Al-Khamisa News Network - Gaza
Displacement crisis in Gaza.. Special report for Al-Khamisa News
Northern Gaza is witnessing a marked escalation in Israeli military movements amid warnings of plans for large-scale population displacement. This escalation has raised real fears among residents, especially given the absence of safe areas in the south, and an unprecedented rise in the costs of displacement and living, signaling an imminent humanitarian catastrophe.
Israeli warnings and Palestinian resilience
The command of the Israeli occupation has issued repeated warnings for residents to leave their homes in northern Gaza “to protect them from military operations.” Palestinians, however, say they are holding on to their land and reject forced displacement, viewing staying in their homes as a form of resistance and resilience against Israeli plans.
The Interior Ministry in Gaza stressed that the south cannot absorb additional numbers of displaced people, urging residents to stand firm and remain steadfast, and warning that any new displacement would lead to a comprehensive humanitarian disaster.
Growing international responses
United Nations (OCHA): warned that large-scale displacement would multiply the shelter crisis and shortages of food and water.
International Red Cross: emphasized that forced displacement exposes civilians to grave risks and called for adherence to international law.
European Union: urged Israel to avoid any steps that could lead to population displacement and to ensure the protection of civilians.
Human rights organizations: said that forced displacement constitutes a violation of international law and a direct threat to civilians’ lives.
The high cost of displacement
Families in northern Gaza expressed deep concern, saying they have no alternative options, as displacement means the loss of homes and property. With the war continuing into its second year and most work halted, residents’ financial capacity has become almost non-existent.
Local experts confirmed that:
Prices of tents have risen to record levels amid a severe shortage of basic supplies.
Daily living costs have doubled under the siege and unemployment.
Basic services such as water and electricity are nearly absent, increasing the burden of displacement.
Limited humanitarian space in the south
Despite calls from the occupation to move south, facts indicate that most southern areas were already overcrowded with displaced people since the early months of the war and do not have sufficient space to absorb more. This situation has prompted wide criticism from international and rights institutions of the occupation’s statements about “safe areas.”
An uncertain fate for Gaza residents
Between Israeli warnings and Palestinian refusal, Gaza residents find themselves facing an impossible equation: displacement without a safe destination, and unaffordable living costs. With the war continuing into its second year and the absence of income sources, residents ask: Where will people find the money to secure a tent or a meal?
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is worsening day by day, and in the absence of urgent and fair solutions, the risk of mass displacement remains, with catastrophic consequences for the lives of more than two million besieged people.
