Escalating Strikes in Gaza's 'Humanitarian Zone' Challenge Safety Claims

The designation of a "humanitarian zone" in Gaza has not protected civilians, with nearly 100 strikes recorded since May 2024, revealing the dire situation as humanitarian organizations and local residents call for accountability and clearer definitions of safety.

Almost 100 airstrikes have been documented in Gaza's "humanitarian zone," contradicting assertions by Israeli authorities that these areas are safe for civilians. According to an analysis by BBC Verify, negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are on the verge of a breakthrough, yet the ongoing attacks complicate civilians' plight in Gaza.

Originally set up by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in October 2023, this "humanitarian zone" was meant to provide refuge for civilians, yet, since May 2024, it has witnessed 97 airstrikes, resulting in over 550 casualties. The zone spans much of the densely populated Mediterranean enclave, where humanitarian conditions have deteriorated significantly, leaving over a million residents struggling with limited infrastructure and minimal access to aid.

Residents such as Khaled Abdel Rahman shared harrowing accounts of daily bombardments that defy the very purpose of the zone. While Israeli officials claim their targets are Hamas fighters, they also face accusations of utilizing civilian areas as operational hubs, which raises serious questions about compliance with international law.

Gavin Kelleher of the Norwegian Refugee Council pointed out the contradiction between the IDF's claims and the reality on the ground: "The Israeli military appears keen to maintain the illusion of a Humanitarian Zone," he said. To implement these findings, BBC Verify combed through Palestinian social media and local media reports, corroborating incidents with verified imagery despite restrictions on foreign media access.

Recent reports indicate that July saw the most devastating strikes within this zone, killing over 90 people in a single event. As the IDF maintains its stance on conducting strikes amidst a high concentration of civilians, the situation grows increasingly untenable, prompting questions about the true nature of "safe zones" in conflict areas.

Despite the IDF's description of the humanitarian zone as safe for aid and shelter, UN agencies have repeatedly stated that “no place is safe” in Gaza. Activists and organizations now call for clarity on what constitutes safe zones and heightened efforts to protect civilians caught in this escalating conflict, with many questioning the validity of the safety assurances being offered.

The situation in Gaza thus remains fraught with uncertainty as residents grapple with the constant threat of violence, and the classification of these areas continues to be a point of contention among humanitarian groups and military authorities.