This article highlights a concerning surge in displaced Palestinians relocating to Rafah, the southernmost region of the Gaza Strip. Recent satellite imagery obtained from Planet Labs over the past two months vividly illustrates the escalation of this dire humanitarian situation. Approximately 1.25 million people now endure cramped and unsanitary conditions in Rafah.
During the ongoing Israeli offensive against Hamas in central and southern Gaza, the influx of displaced individuals has intensified, exacerbating the already critical circumstances in Rafah. Notably, official shelters like the U.N. logistics base initially faced overcrowding, prompting the setup of tents in their immediate vicinity.
In northwest Rafah, an evident focal point for impromptu encampments, displaced Gazans have established makeshift shelters. This surge in tent camps, captured by satellite imagery, extends beyond the immediate vicinity of established shelters. Juliette Touma, the director of communications for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, emphasizes that with limited indoor space, Rafah has transformed into a city covered with plastic sheeting.
The arrival of displaced people has led to the expansion of tent camps, presenting challenges such as the lack of essential amenities like electricity, clean water, and bathrooms. Shaina Low, a communications adviser for the Norwegian Refugee Council, notes that these informal camps lack official leadership or representation, hindering coordination with aid agencies.
While some displaced individuals have received tents from organizations like the Norwegian Refugee Council, many have resorted to building their own shelters. Streets and open spaces are now filled with homemade structures, but these makeshift shelters struggle to withstand harsh winter weather conditions.
Satellite imagery from Planet Labs taken on Sunday demonstrates the rapid expansion of tent camps along the Gaza-Egypt border, highlighting the dire situation. Displaced individuals staying in official shelters are considered somewhat safer from Israeli airstrikes, as these shelters are protected under humanitarian law. However, despite this protection, at least 330 displaced people in U.N. shelters across Gaza have lost their lives since the conflict began on October 7.
The Israeli military's evacuation orders from central and southern regions, particularly Deir al Balah and Khan Younis, have driven a significant number of displaced individuals to Rafah. By mid-December, Rafah was estimated to be sheltering over a million people, witnessing a four-fold increase in population compared to pre-war figures. The region is struggling to meet the escalating humanitarian needs, facing challenges due to its status as one of the poorest parts of Gaza.
The number of people registered at shelters in Rafah has increased significantly, reaching 978,000 as of January 14. However, this data may not fully capture the extent, as hundreds of thousands more are estimated to be staying in the region without registration.
Repeated displacements within Gaza have made it challenging for relief officials to accurately track the movement of people over time. Despite the availability of aid, delivery challenges persist due to exhaustive inspections by Israeli authorities, and aid trucks sometimes come under fire. The growing demand for assistance in Rafah and across the Gaza Strip underscores the magnitude of the crisis faced by the displaced population.