The head of the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees has said that 800,000 people had been “forced to flee” Gaza’s far-southern city of Rafah since Israel began military operations there this month, AFP reports.

“Nearly half of the population of Rafah or 800,000 people are on the road having been forced to flee since the Israeli forces started the military operation in the area on 6 May,” UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini said in a post on social media site X.

Following the evacuation orders Gazans have fled to “the middle areas and Khan Younis including to destroyed buildings”, he said.

“Every time, they are forced to leave behind the few belongings they have … Every time, they have to start from scratch, all over again.”