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The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) has relocated its central operations in Gaza to the south of the territory as it continues with its local humanitarian work.
In a post on its X social media platform, previously known as Twitter, on Friday, the UN Agency for Palestine Refugees urged Israeli authorities to protect all civilians who take cover in its shelters, including schools.
“UNRWA relocated its central operations centre + international staff to the south to continue its humanitarian operations and support to its staff and Palestine Refugees in #Gaza. We urge the Israeli Authorities to protect all civilians in @UNRWA shelters including schools,” the statement read.
Giving an update on the situation in Gaza earlier, the UN agency said “220,000 people sheltering in 92 @UNRWA schools; 340,000 displaced Palestinians; With no access to provide essential supplies, UN humanitarians warn that Gaza is on the brink of running out of food, water, electricity & critical supplies”.
Earlier in the week, the U.N. said that schools and premises of the UNRWA were among the sites hit by Israeli retaliatory air strikes that followed a terrorist attack by Palestinian militant group Hamas at the weekend. Twelve UNRWA staff members have been killed since the start of the conflict, the agency said Thursday.
Its operational relocation south takes place as the U.N. said Israel had given a 24-hour deadline for the roughly 1.1 million people in northern Gaza to evacuate south.
The announcement comes as Israel Defense Forces called for "all residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes" and "move south for their protection" early Friday morning.
Israel Defense Forces called for "all residents of Gaza City to evacuate their homes" and "move south for their protection" early Friday morning local time in a series of posts on X.