The recent attacks in the Az Zaytoun neighborhood have been particularly destructive, with continuous airstrikes, artillery shelling, and gunfire resulting in numerous civilian casualties and extensive damage to homes and public facilities, according to the UN human rights office, OHCHR, in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Since August 8, the office has documented 54 attacks on residential buildings and entire blocks in Gaza City, resulting in 87 Palestinian deaths, including at least 25 children and whole families. Additionally, attacks on shelters for displaced individuals, such as tents and schools, have claimed at least 14 lives. These figures suggest that the systematic destruction of Gaza City is underway, according to the statement.
OHCHR also indicated that the actual toll might be higher due to underreporting in such severe conditions. The recent attacks have forced hundreds of families to flee, with nowhere safe amid dire humanitarian conditions across the Gaza Strip. Those trapped face severe shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. OHCHR stressed that Israel’s alleged plan to take full control of Gaza City and forcibly displace its population would lead to mass civilian killings and vital infrastructure destruction. The Israeli military is reportedly repeating tactics from previous operations in North Gaza and Rafah, which caused significant harm.
To prepare for the offensive, the Israeli military has urged Palestinians to move to Al Mawasi, west of Khan Younis. However, Israel has also attacked tents of the displaced in Al Mawasi, where people struggle with scarce resources. Under international law, Israel is prohibited from destroying civilian property unless necessary for military operations, but the widespread destruction in Gaza City is not considered essential. Forcing the Gaza City population and those in North Gaza into displacement without shelter, food, or medical resources violates the Fourth Geneva Convention. The OHCHR is urging States party to the Geneva Conventions to put pressure on Israel to halt the offensive, which threatens to spark a severe humanitarian crisis and potentially erase the Palestinian presence in Gaza’s largest urban area.
The World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed Japan’s contribution of 500 million yen ($3.3 million) for emergency food and nutrition aid to Palestinians facing severe food insecurity. Limited commercial truck entries resumed on August 4, bringing mostly dry food items and limited fresh produce, according to the UN aid coordination office, OCHA. However, food spoilage and infestation risks are high due to delays, heat, and impending expiration dates. Cooking gas has not been available in Gaza for over five months, and firewood is becoming unaffordable, forcing many to use waste and scrap wood, raising health and environmental concerns.
The WFP highlighted that the worst-case famine scenario is occurring in the Gaza Strip, according to the latest Integrated Food Security Phase Classification report. Antoine Renard, WFP Representative and Country Director in Palestine, noted that many families have lost everything and face uncertainty about their next meal. With Japan’s support, WFP can continue providing essential food aid, but urgently calls for a ceasefire and sustained access to assist those at greatest risk and prevent widespread famine.
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