There are dozens of dead and wounded following last night's military operation in al-Mawasi, Gaza, west of Khan Younis.

In the area, defined by the parties as a humanitarian zone, thousands of displaced people arriving from places that have been evacuated - now covering about 86% of Gaza [1] - are concentrated in tent camps. As of 12 August, the humanitarian zone has shrunk to around 46 square kilometres, down from 58.9 square kilometres at the beginning of 2024. [2]

"Regardless of the area someone is in, the consequences of the violence that war brings are everywhere," explains Stefano Sozza, EMERGENCY's Head of Mission in Gaza. "Those who pay these consequences are always the civilians. This is why we appeal for a cessation of hostilities as soon as possible."

EMERGENCY, which is working to construct a field clinic to guarantee first aid and primary healthcare services to the population in the Khan Younis area, asks the parties involved to respect the safety and rights of the civilian population, to protect the humanitarian aid workers in Gaza, and to guarantee the entry of aid for the population of an area already devastated by war.

[1] OCHA, Humanitarian Situation Update #215 | Gaza Strip, https://www.ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-situation-update-215-gaza-strip

[2] OCHA, Humanitarian Situation Update #203 | Gaza Strip, https://www.ochaopt.org/content/humanitarian-situation-update-203-gaza-strip