The UN, on Monday, said that over 123,000 people have been displaced from the Gaza Strip since the outbreak of the conflict between Israeli troops and Hamas militants. “Over 123,538 people, have been internally displaced in Gaza, mostly due to fear, protection concerns and the destruction of their homes,” said the UN’s humanitarian agency, OCHA told AFP.
Over 73,000 are sheltering in schools, and of these, some have been designated emergency shelters. Hamas militants, on Saturday, attacked Israel with missiles. So far, over 1,100 people have lost their lives on both sides; US President Joe Biden has condemned the attack and Indian PM Narendra Modi has said India stands in “solidarity with Israel at this difficult hour”.
On Monday, Israel's Defence Minister Yoav Gallant said he has ordered a 'complete siege' of the Gaza Strip, which entails blocking food and fuel and cutting off electricity. He called it a part of a battle against "beastly people".
A spokesperson for the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) Adnan Abu Hasna said the numbers are expected to rise. “There’s electricity in these schools, we provide them with a meal, clean water, psychological support and medical treatment,” he told AFP.
The UN also said that civilians must be protected and structures providing shelter to displaced families, must never come under attack. The UNRWA said that people in the schools are being provided with meals, clean water, psychological support and medical treatment.