UN agency says 800,000 ‘forced to flee’ Rafah since start of Israeli operation
RAFAH, Palestinian Territories: The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees said Saturday (May 18) that 800,000 people had been “forced to flee” Gaza’s far-southern city of Rafah since Israel began military operations there this month.
“Nearly half of the population of Rafah or 800,000 people are on the road having been forced to flee since the Israeli forces started the military operation in the area on 6 May,” UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said in a post on social media site X.
Following the evacuation orders Gazans have fled to “the middle areas and Khan Younis including to destroyed buildings,” he said.
“Every time, they are forced to leave behind the few belongings they have …. every time, they have to start from scratch, all over again.”