On Friday, several strikes occurred in the Jabalya Al Balad and Nazla districts, as reported by the United Nations Bureau for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in its latest update.
As a result, approximately 900 individuals have fled to Sheikh Radwan and the western area of Gaza City.
Safe Passage, No More Help
The UN and partners reiterated the need for parties in conflict to protect civilians, following international law, including humanitarian workers and those who cannot or choose not to move.
“People fleeing should do so safely and be allowed to return if they wish, depending on circumstances,” OCHA stated.
The need for access to assistance and basic services for those who remain or leave was emphasized. Supplies should enter Gaza via all available paths, with humanitarian workers granted safe, sustained access for large-scale aid delivery.
Pressure Hospitals
Strikes intensifying across the enclave have led to emergency services in hospitals being overwhelmed with casualties.
Humanitarian workers warned that expanding military actions could further cripple the failing health system.
Nearly half of all hospitals and campaign facilities are in Gaza City, constituting around 40% of the enclave’s bed capacity, with southern medical sites operating beyond capacity.
Urgent restoration of healthcare access was stressed to prevent avoidable deaths.
Sudan: UN Rights Office Appalled by El Fasher Murders
Brutal attacks by paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Sudan resulted in at least 89 deaths in North Darfur, the UN Office for Human Rights (OHCHR) reported on Friday.
RSF and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have been battling for control for over two years.
OHCHR reported RSF attacks on El Fasher and the nearby Abu Shouk camp have killed at least 89 civilians, though the toll could be higher.
The attacks spanned a 10-day period ending August 20.
Apparent Summary Executions
Between August 16 and 20, at least 32 civilians died, with 57 killed in earlier attacks on August 11.
OHCHR expressed horror that 16 recent killings appeared to be summary executions, spokesman Jeremy Laurence told journalists in Geneva.
“Most victims were killed in Abu Shouk camp and belonged to the African Zaghawa tribe,” he said.
“In El Fasher, a victim was asked their tribe and killed after stating they were from the African Berti tribe.”
The humanitarian crisis in El Fasher has reached a critical stage after over a year of siege, risking famine in the city and other North Darfur regions.
OHCHR voiced dismay over two attacks on UN humanitarian convoys in North Darfur this month and in June, saying such acts worsen civilians’ human rights situations.
End Impunity for Violence Against Rohingyas in Myanmar
The UN Human Rights Office called for ending impunity in violence against Rohingyas in Myanmar to secure their rights to safety, citizenship, and equality.
It noted that the Rohingyas, a mostly Muslim minority in predominantly Buddhist Myanmar, still suffer eight years after a military crackdown.
Over 700,000 fled to Bangladesh following the assault beginning on August 25, 2017, joining others escaping previous attacks.
Break the Cycle
Ending impunity and securing Rohingyas’ rights are vital to breaking the violence cycle, OHCHR said.
Rohingyas mainly live in Myanmar’s Rakhine state, where human rights and humanitarian conditions have worsened since November 2023, deepening their dire situation.
OHCHR urged international support for Rohingyas, enhancing humanitarian funding to ensure access to basic needs, essential services, and accountability.
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