The situation in Gaza City is nothing short of cataclysmic, a UN official has told the BBC, as Israeli tanks and troops continue to advance on the third day of a ground offensive.
Olga Cherevko, a spokeswoman for the UN's humanitarian office, reported seeing a constant stream of Palestinians heading south during a recent visit to the city, though hundreds of thousands remained trapped.
The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that overwhelmed hospitals are on the brink of collapse, unable to receive lifesaving supplies due to the ongoing conflict.
The Israeli military stated it is dismantling terror infrastructure and eliminating terrorists in Gaza City, while the stated objectives include freeing hostages and defeating around 3,000 Hamas fighters.
However, the offensive has drawn widespread international condemnation as it targets Gaza's largest urban area, contributing to a worsening humanitarian crisis.
As the military advances, UN officials have recorded at least 200,000 people moving from northern to southern Gaza since mid-August, a number that has escalated significantly since the offensive began.
Cherevko told the BBC that many people are struggling to evacuate due to their limited resources, often moving on foot with few belongings.
Amidst heavy bombardment, hospitals in Gaza City report a significant increase in casualties with many unable to find shelter and dealing with dire conditions. Many families displaced by the bombing are currently seeking refuge on the streets.
The WHO calls the situation increasingly desperate, stressing that these conditions undermine human dignity and put lives at risk.
As these developments unfold, international agencies stress the urgent need for humanitarian access to alleviate the suffering inflicted by the ongoing conflict.
