In the midst of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has intensified, with a growing number of displaced individuals struggling to find shelter and access to basic necessities. According to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), at least 100,000 people have sought refuge in Rafah, a city located on Gaza's southern border with Egypt, in recent days.

Juliette Touma, a representative of UNRWA, expressed concern over the dire situation, stating that many displaced Gazans are living "in the open, in the parks." While the UN has been authorized to provide limited assistance, Touma emphasized that the humanitarian needs in Gaza have significantly increased. UNRWA continues to face restrictions in accessing areas of the Gaza Strip where aid is desperately needed.

Amidst these challenges, the Israeli government maintains that it is not limiting aid; instead, it claims that the problem lies with the distribution process. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in a televised address, reaffirmed Israel's commitment to fighting against Hamas on all fronts until the release of all hostages and the dismantlement of the group, which was prompted by their deadly attack on 7 October.

Tom White, the Gaza director for UNRWA, revealed that the situation in Rafah has reached a critical level, with over a million people seeking safety in the city. He noted that shelters, including UNRWA schools and other municipal facilities, are already overwhelmed, leaving no space for hundreds of thousands of individuals. As a result, many are forced to endure sleeping in the open under flimsy pieces of plastic, exacerbating the already dire conditions.

The UNRWA's latest report indicates that since the beginning of the war, up to 1.9 million people have been displaced across the Gaza Strip. The recent wave of displacement into Rafah can be attributed to intense fighting in Khan Younis and other parts of the territory. Residents in Khan Younis have reported fierce gun battles between Israeli forces and Hamas fighters.

In addition to the displacement crisis, the World Health Organization (WHO) has raised concerns about the spread of infectious diseases among Gaza's displaced community. WHO chief Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted a surge in the number of diseases reported between mid-October and mid-December. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson warned that the main north-south road in Gaza, Salah al-Din, is a dangerous battleground, hindering efforts to reach affected communities.

As the conflict continues to escalate, it is imperative that both sides find a way to prioritize the immediate humanitarian needs of the people affected by the violence. The international community must also step up efforts to provide crucial support, including access to shelter, food, and medical assistance, to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict in Gaza.