Latest Israeli incursion left 575 more Palestinians homeless, UN reports

The latest Israeli military incursion in Rafah has left an additional 575 Palestinians homeless, bringing the total since the beginning of the month to nearly 2,000, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) reported today.

Offering an initial assessment, the Agency said 45 buildings were destroyed or rendered uninhabitable during the recent round of demolitions from 18 to 23 May, which came on top of “what had already been one of the worst months of the intifada in Rafah.”

From 1 to 23 May, 155 buildings housing 1,960 people were demolished, UNRWA said.

Last week, the Security Council – with the United States abstaining – adopted a resolution expressing its grave concern regarding the humanitarian situation of Palestinians made homeless in the Rafah area, and calling for the provision of emergency assistance.

The Council reminded Israel that it must respect international humanitarian law, including its obligation not to destroy homes. UNRWA has been working to provide shelter to homeless families in the area.