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. Over 1.9 million people are now displaced, many seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters, schools, and makeshift camps where conditions are dire.

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.

The situation is compounded by the inability of international humanitarian staff to enter Gaza, leaving local personnel to bear the burden of care.

ALSO READ | How will the mounting civilian casualties affect international pressure on Israel and Hamas

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.

Mental health services are overwhelmed, and the long-term impact of trauma will likely shape the lives of survivors 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.

UNRWA installations have been repeatedly impacted by armed conflict, with hundreds killed or injured while seeking 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.