Gaza: Displaced people face sanitation crisis in Khan Younis

Between 1 July and 21 August, at least 16 evacuation orders have been issued by Israeli forces in Gaza. An estimated 213,000 Palestinians have been affected from the beginning of August to 16 August and 86% of Gaza has come under evacuation orders since the war began, according to OCHA.

After months of endless evacuation orders by Israeli forces, people are left without belongings. Many to Khan Younis without even a plastic bag of belongings, or a single bar of soap.

People are forced to move in a rush with very little forewarning, which can be particularly challenging for people with disabilities, women with children and elderly people.

As skin conditions are increasing, PARC supported by Doctor Without Borders has built over 300 latrines, including accessible latrines for people with physical disabilities in the Deir Al-Balah camp, installed three solar water pump systems and provided primary health care to displaced people. 

For three months Palestinian Agricultural Development Association has been trying to import 4,000 hygiene kits to improve the living conditions of people in Khan Younis. The kits contain basic everyday items such as soap, toothbrushes, shampoo and laundry powder. The scarcity of such items in Gaza means they are prohibitively expensive for people to purchase.  For three months, importation of these kits has been blocked by the Israeli authorities. 

Doctors Without Borders calls for an immediate ceasefire as well as unimpeded safe access for staff and supplies to be able to enter Gaza and to the areas most in need of support.