With an estimated fourfold increase in population density, exceeding 12,000 per square kilometre, Rafah is now the most densely populated area within the Gaza strip, the UN’s humanitarian office (OCHA) has said.

In a situation update, it stated: “Since Dec 3, tens of thousands of IDPs, who have arrived in Rafah, continue to face extremely overcrowded conditions both inside and outside shelters.”

Read the entire update here.

Opinion

Editorial

Shifting climate tone
Updated 08 May, 2026

Shifting climate tone

Our financial system is geared towards short-term, risk-averse lending, while climate adaptation and green infrastructure require patient, long-term capital.
Honour and impunity
08 May, 2026

Honour and impunity

THE Sindh Assembly’s discussion on karo-kari this week reminds us of the enduring nature of ‘honour’ killings...
No real change
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No real change

THE Indian sports ministry’s move to allow Pakistani players and teams to participate in multilateral events ...
A breakthrough?
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A breakthrough?

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Missed opportunity
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Missed opportunity

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Punishing dissent
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Punishing dissent

THE Sindh government’s treatment of the Aurat March this week was a disgraceful assault on democratic rights. What...