RAFAH, Gaza Strip - Tens of thousands of Palestinians have been forced to flee to the southernmost town of Rafah in the Gaza Strip, seeking refuge from the ongoing bombardment by Israel in the central part of the territory. As the displacement crisis continues to escalate, a senior UN official has criticized Israel for imposing "severe restrictions" on humanitarian aid access.

Just a week after the UN Security Council demanded an immediate increase in humanitarian deliveries to Gaza, the situation remains dire. Israel's extensive air and ground offensive against Hamas has left approximately 85% of Gaza's 2.3 million residents displaced, with many seeking shelter in Israeli-designated safe areas that are not immune to airstrikes. This has created a sense of fear and insecurity among Palestinians, as nowhere in the enclave seems truly safe.

Philippe Lazzarini, the head of UNRWA (the UN agency for Palestinian refugees), has highlighted the dire conditions the population is facing. He stated that nearly the entire population is fully dependent on outside humanitarian aid, and a quarter of the population is suffering from starvation due to the limited number of trucks that are able to enter Gaza each day. The number of trucks delivering food, medicine, fuel, and other supplies sometimes falls below 100, according to U.N. daily reports.

This influx of displaced individuals into Rafah has resulted in a population surge, now exceeding triple the normal population. The town and its surrounding area, which previously hosted less than 300,000 residents, are now burdened with accommodating over 850,000 people.

The Israeli offensive has been expanding, with the focus now on the urban refugee camps of Bureij, Nuseirat, and Maghazi in central Gaza. These areas have been subjected to extensive airstrikes and artillery fire, leaving buildings leveled and families displaced once again. The conflict has also not let up in the north, while the city of Khan Younis in the south continues to be a hotspot for fighting.

According to the Health Ministry in Hamas-ruled Gaza, over 21,500 Palestinians have been killed since the start of the war, with the majority being women and children. The Israeli military's death toll stands at 168 soldiers since the ground offensive began.

Despite international calls for a cease-fire, Israeli officials have rejected them, emphasizing the need to dismantle Hamas and secure the release of over 100 hostages taken during an attack in October. Israeli authorities have halted supplies from entering Gaza, including food and fuel, except for limited aid coming from Egypt. Relief trucks have started entering Gaza through the Kerem Shalom crossing, although delays are being reported.

Lazzarini, in response to Israeli blame on the UN for aid delivery delays, called the criticism "baseless" and highlighted the severe restrictions on humanitarian access imposed by Israel. He called on Israel to reduce bureaucratic hurdles and refrain from attacks near crossing points and convoys. Lazzarini also emphasized the need for safe routes to the north, which has received minimal aid.

The latest aid delivery to Gaza City witnessed thousands of Palestinians desperately awaiting aid trucks, with people climbing onto the trucks and clinging to the sides. Unfortunately, the aid convoy faced Israeli gunfire during its return journey, damaging one vehicle.

With the ongoing airstrikes and heavy fighting in various parts of Gaza, civilian casualties continue to rise. Houses have been destroyed, and many innocent lives have been lost. Israel has blamed Hamas for embedding within the civilian population, while the military has acknowledged making errors in strikes, including one that killed over 100 people.

The dire situation in Gaza calls for immediate action to ensure the safety and well-being of the population. The international community must work together to address the ongoing crisis and advocate for a cease-fire to protect innocent lives caught in the crossfire of this devastating conflict.