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The United Nations International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported that over 172,000 people have been displaced in Gaza within the past week, as humanitarian organizations struggle to deliver aid after an 81-day blockade.
The IOM stated on social media platform X that repeated and widespread displacements continue in Gaza, with approximately 610,000 people fleeing violence or displacement orders since the cease-fire ended on March 18.
"Families now need help," the organization stated, calling urgently for "principled humanitarian access."
U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric confirmed that approximately 90 trucks carrying humanitarian aid were allowed through the Kerem Abu Salim border crossing, containing food supplies and medical materials.
"Yesterday's shipment is limited in quantity and nowhere near sufficient to meet the needs of Gaza's 2.1 million population," Dujarric said during a daily press briefing at U.N. headquarters.
He emphasized that fresh food, hygiene products, water treatment supplies, and fuel for hospital power generation have been blocked from entering Gaza for over 80 days.
Hamas issued a statement accusing Israel of attempting to establish "collection camps" in southern Gaza under the guise of distributing aid.
The organization claimed Israel is committing systematic "starvation crimes" against over 2 million Palestinians by distributing humanitarian aid through a rationing system, which Hamas termed "ghetto aid."
"This interference, which lacks any moral or legal basis, deprives Washington of what is left of its credibility and closes the door to any influence in Sudan," the statement said, noting that 500 trucks need to enter Gaza daily to meet vital needs, but only one-tenth of that number is being allowed.
World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Cindy McCain warned that immediate action is needed to prevent mass casualties in Gaza.
"Humanitarian organizations need immediate, unlimited and safe access to deliver life-saving aid to Gaza. Lives will be lost unless urgent action is taken. This is the only way to reverse this man-made disaster," McCain posted on X.
WFP Country Director Antoine Renard stated, "We are racing against time to prevent widespread hunger." The WFP reported having enough food at the border to feed 2 million Gazans for two months but lacks access to deliver it.
Israeli state television KAN reported that the Israeli military is preparing to launch an intensive phase of ground operations involving thousands of reserve soldiers being brought to Gaza.
The operation, codenamed "Gideon's War Chariots," aims to occupy new areas permanently and push Palestinians toward southern Gaza, according to the report.
The Israeli military announced on May 18 that it had begun ground operations aimed at expanding and making the occupation permanent in Gaza, following security cabinet approval on May 4.
The Israeli military continues issuing almost daily "evacuation orders" forcing Palestinians in Gaza to relocate. Since Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza's population has been forcibly displaced multiple times due to Israeli attacks.
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stated in remarks on May 19 that Israel aims to occupy all of Gaza, acknowledging he faced external pressure to allow humanitarian aid entry.
According to reports, Israeli attacks have killed 53,762 people and wounded 122,197 since Oct. 7, 2023, with U.S. support. Thousands more are believed to be trapped under rubble throughout Gaza.
Field sources warn that approximately half a million people in Gaza are on the brink of starvation, with the U.N. emphasizing the critical importance of Israeli authorities facilitating humanitarian convoy movement from south to north within Gaza.
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