What Are the Humanitarian Consequences of Sustained Israeli Evacuation Orders and Bombardment in Gaza?

Repeated evacuation orders and relentless bombardment have forced hundreds of thousands of Palestinians in Gaza to flee their homes, often multiple times.

There are currently over 1.9 million displaced people, many of whom are seeking safety in cramped shelters, schools, and makeshift camps under appalling conditions.

Families are separated, and entire communities are uprooted, with limited access to shelter, sanitation, and basic necessities.

The psychological toll is immense, as people live in constant fear of further attacks and displacement.

Catastrophic Food Insecurity and Malnutrition

The ongoing blockade and bombardment have severely restricted access to food, water, and medical supplies. Nearly half a million people in Gaza face catastrophic levels of hunger, with three-quarters of the population at “Emergency” or “Catastrophic” food insecurity, the worst two levels on the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification scale.

Since the aid blockade began in March 2025, at least 57 children have reportedly died from malnutrition, and experts warn that if the situation persists, nearly 71,000 children under five could become acutely malnourished within a year.

The risk of famine is increasing daily, with food and medicine just minutes away across the border but deliberately withheld.

Did you know?
Since the onset of the current conflict, over 50,000 Palestinians have been killed and more than 125,000 injured in Gaza, according to official figures. The death toll continues to rise as the humanitarian crisis deepens.

Collapse of Healthcare and Rising Mortality

The healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. More than 120 health facilities have been attacked, and over one-third of essential medical supplies are out of stock.

Hospitals and clinics struggle to function amid power shortages, lack of equipment, and overwhelmed staff. The result is a sharp rise in preventable deaths, not only from injuries sustained in bombardments but also from untreated illnesses, complications of malnutrition, and lack of access to life-saving treatments.

International humanitarian staff's inability to enter Gaza exacerbates the situation, leaving local personnel to shoulder the burden of care.

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Trauma and Mental Health Crisis

The relentless violence and repeated displacement have left a deep psychological scar on Gaza’s population, especially children.

Many have witnessed the death of family members, the destruction of their homes, and the loss of their communities.

There is a shortage of mental health services, and the long-term effects of trauma will probably influence survivors' lives for generations.

The constant threat of bombardment and the experience of living in overcrowded, unsanitary conditions contribute to a pervasive sense of hopelessness and despair.

Attacks on Schools and Shelters

Schools and shelters, often the only refuge for displaced families, have become targets. Between June 1 and 21, 2025, at least six attacks on schools were reported, resulting in civilian casualties.

Armed conflict has repeatedly impacted UNRWA installations, resulting in hundreds of deaths or injuries as people sought safety.

The destruction of educational facilities not only robs children of their right to education but also eliminates critical spaces for psychosocial support and community resilience.