UNRWA: Claims of Safe Areas in Gaza are "False and Misleading"

Philippe Lazarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), stated that evacuation orders issued by Israeli authorities force people in Rafah, southern Gaza, to flee to any location, asserting that the claim of safe areas in Gaza is false and misleading. The UN official added that since the war began, most people in Gaza have been displaced multiple times, averaging once a month, noting that some residents have no choice but to stay in UNRWA shelters that have been bombed. Meanwhile, Palestinians continue to flee from Jabalia and Beit Lahia in northern Gaza following repeated targeting by Israeli forces and evacuation orders from the military for residents to leave these areas, citing preparations for a military operation to eliminate Hamas elements. On another front, European Council President Charles Michel deemed it unacceptable for Israel to evacuate Palestinian civilians trapped in Rafah to unsafe areas. Michel urged the Israeli government to respect international humanitarian law and refrain from conducting a ground operation in Rafah. He also emphasized the need for border crossings to operate at full capacity and allow for the passage of humanitarian aid. The European Council President reiterated his call to continue efforts aimed at achieving a lasting ceasefire in Gaza.