Since the escalation of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict began, roughly one and a half million residents in the Gaza Strip have been forced to flee their homes. This figure was reported by the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, highlighting the scale of displacement and the severe strain on civilian life. The situation has left countless families sheltering in uncertain conditions as aid agencies race to reach those in need and provide essential relief.
According to the agency, as of October 29, more than 1.4 million Palestinians have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip. Of these, about 671,000 sought refuge in 150 UNRWA run locations, underscoring the heavy reliance on established shelters to protect vulnerable populations. The detailed distribution of displaced people reveals the breadth of impact across urban and rural areas alike, challenging humanitarian workers to coordinate relief under difficult circumstances.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs stressed that the average number of refugees per shelter far exceeds normal capacity, with many facilities operating beyond their designed limits. This overload heightens concerns about safety, hygiene, and access to basic services like water, sanitation, and health care. Aid organizations are actively expanding capacity through temporary shelters, mobile clinics, and additional supply routes to alleviate pressure on crowded centers.
Earlier updates noted that the World Food Programme (WFP) experienced disruptions in Gaza as warehouses containing food and other essential supplies were looted. Such events complicate the delivery of critical assistance to communities already facing shortages. In response, relief agencies are reinforcing security at distribution points and accelerating pre-positioned stocks, while international partners work to restore and secure supply lines to vulnerable communities.
On the morning of October 29, thousands of people rushed toward UNRWA warehouses and distribution centers in Gaza. Grabbing flour and other staples, some families faced long waits as limited resources were allocated. This moment underscored the urgent need for consistent, predictable aid flows and the importance of protecting civilian access to humanitarian goods during emergencies.
Previously, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Galant spoke of an unprecedented response to ensure the security and resilience of Gaza’s civilian population. His statements reflect a commitment to a long-term approach that aims to balance safety with the urgent humanitarian needs of residents who have suffered displacement. International observers and humanitarian teams continue to monitor the evolving situation, calling for sustainable access to food, medical care, and safe housing while efforts to restore normalcy proceed at a cautious pace.