UN Reports Half a Million Displaced People in Gaza Amid Renewed Conflict

The ongoing conflict between the Israeli military and Hamas has resulted in massive displacement within the Gaza Strip, with the United Nations estimating that approximately 500,000 Palestinians have been forced to flee their homes since the resurgence of hostilities in mid-March. This figure has significantly increased from the earlier estimate of 400,000 displaced individuals, according to a UN spokesperson referencing data from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA).

In the densely populated Gaza Strip, which is home to over two million residents, food, water, and medical supplies are in critically short supply. The UN has reported a dire humanitarian situation, with a lack of basic necessities such as tents, leading many families to receive only blankets and tarps for shelter. Emergency accommodations are overcrowded, exacerbating the plight of those who have lost their homes.

Since the outbreak of the current Gaza conflict following a series of deadly attacks by Hamas and other militant groups in Israel on October 7, 2023, around 90 percent of Gaza's population has been displaced at least once. Although many internally displaced persons returned home during a two-month ceasefire earlier this year, the situation deteriorated again when Israel resumed its military operations after failing to reach an agreement with Hamas on the conditions for extending the ceasefire.

In a related development, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has been engaged in discussions with negotiators and security officials regarding the issue of hostages. Reports indicate that there are currently 24 living hostages and 35 deceased individuals whose remains are still held in Gaza. Netanyahu's office has confirmed that efforts are ongoing to secure the release of these hostages.

Meanwhile, Hamas is reportedly considering Israel's latest proposal concerning the release of hostages and the establishment of a new ceasefire. However, negotiations are complicated by entrenched positions from both sides. Hamas is demanding a complete military withdrawal from Gaza following the release of the remaining hostages, while Israel maintains its objective of disarming Hamas and establishing a sustained military presence in key areas of the coastal territory.

Concurrently, the head of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, has issued warnings regarding potential attacks on Iranian nuclear facilities amid rising tensions. Grossi emphasized that any assault on nuclear sites would exacerbate existing problems and is unacceptable. His remarks followed a meeting in Tehran with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghtchi.

In the context of ongoing U.S.-Iran negotiations regarding a new nuclear agreement, President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Iran if an accord is not reached. Araghtchi, however, has expressed a willingness to compromise, reiterating Iran's stance against developing nuclear weapons while asserting that a complete abandonment of nuclear technology is not negotiable.