800,000 Palestinians displaced from Rafah - UN

Nearly 800,000 Palestinians have been displaced from Rafah since Israel initiated its offensive against the southern Gaza city last week, according to Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees, UNRWA.

Lazzarini lamented the repeated displacement of Palestinians, stating, "Since the war in Gaza began, Palestinians have been forced to flee multiple times in search of safety that they have never found, including in UNRWA shelters."

"When people move, they are exposed, without safe passage or protection. Every time, they are forced to leave behind the few belongings they have mattresses, tents, cooking utensils, and basic supplies that they cannot carry or pay to transport. Every time, they have to start from scratch, all over again."

The violence escalated across Gaza on Saturday, with Israeli attacks claiming the lives of dozens of Palestinians. The Ministry of Health in Gaza reported that 83 Palestinians had been killed over the previous 24 hours.

Reports from Al Jazeera Arabic correspondent Ismail Alghoul indicated that 40 bodies had reached the Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza following Israeli bombings of the Jabalia refugee camp, resulting in at least 15 casualties in one attack.

Additionally, Wafa news agency stated that four Palestinians were killed during Israel's bombing of Khan Younis, north of Rafah, while three others lost their lives in the Nuseirat refugee camp in central Gaza.

Despite international warnings, including from its top ally the United States, Israel has proceeded with its assault on Rafah.

Last week, Israeli forces seized the Rafah crossing linking Gaza to Egypt, closing off a vital artery for life-saving aid and humanitarian workers since May 7.

The closure of the Rafah crossing has left thousands of sick and injured Palestinians trapped in Gaza, unable to seek treatment abroad.

Before the assault, Rafah was home to 1.5 million people, most of whom had already been displaced from other parts of Gaza.

Throughout the conflict, Israel has ordered Palestinian civilians in Gaza to move south as it advanced from the north. Many residents were initially displaced to the middle part of the enclave before being relocated to the southern city of Khan Younis.

Now, they are forced to flee again, this time from Rafah northward.