Strikes on Gaza's 'Humanitarian Zone' Challenge Safety Assurances

Analysis reveals that Gaza's so-called "humanitarian zone," established to protect civilians, has faced 97 strikes since May 2024, undermining its intended purpose and raising questions about safety assurances from Israeli military.

Despite being designated as a "humanitarian zone" by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), the area in Gaza intended to protect civilians has been struck nearly 100 times since May 2024, according to findings from BBC Verify. The situation comes as international mediators in Qatar indicate that negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas may be in their final stages, sparking hope for a resolution to the ongoing conflict.

The humanitarian zone was first set up in October 2023 to provide a safe haven for civilians amid escalating violence, with a significant expansion occurring in May 2024 to encompass densely populated cities including Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah. Reports reveal that more than a million individuals are residing in extremely precarious conditions, often without adequate access to basic necessities or aid.

The BBC Verify analysis tracked a staggering total of 97 attacks within this humanitarian zone, leading to over 550 deaths as per local media reports. The IDF justified its actions by claiming that they were targeting Hamas fighters allegedly exploiting civilian populations as shields and launching attacks from these zones. Since the outbreak of hostilities following a devastating attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, Israel has maintained a focus on neutralizing the militant group, further complicating the humanitarian landscape in Gaza.

Local sources indicate a severe escalation of strikes since May this year, with at least 22 recorded just in the past month alone. Residents, like Khaled Abdel Rahman, express feelings of insecurity, with daily bombardments being a harsh reality. As he described, they were displaced under the assumption of safety, only to find themselves under constant threat. This sentiment is echoed by humanitarian workers, who stress that the IDF's designation of a humanitarian zone does not guarantee safety or security from attacks.

Furthermore, the ongoing conflict has devastated Gaza's infrastructure, with numerous fatalities reported, including many civilians, amid the chaos. BBC Verify’s analysis, relying on verified footage from social media and local reports, suggests that while identifying the nature of fatalities is complex, the presence of women and children in the aftermath of strikes is alarming.

The situation is compounded by the fluid definition of the humanitarian zone, which has altered significantly—20 times according to reports—leaving residents uncertain about safety and evacuation notices ineffective. The IDF maintains that these changes do not necessarily reduce protection levels, but interpretations of their messages create confusion among the civilian population.

Humanitarian organizations and the UN have consistently refuted the notion of a "safe zone" in Gaza, underscoring that no area is free from risk. Juliette Touma from the UN agency for Palestinian refugees reiterated that "there is no safe zone in Gaza," highlighting the complex and perilous conditions civilians continue to face.

The ongoing media restrictions, and the IDF's limited transparency regarding its military operations, add layers of difficulty in obtaining full verification of incidents. Continuous monitoring efforts aim to document these strikes to provide insight into the grim realities faced by Gaza residents as dialogue for peace appears imminent yet fraught with challenges.