Ongoing Strikes Undermine Gaza's 'Humanitarian Zone' Designation

Analysis reveals that Israel's designated 'humanitarian zone' in Gaza has faced 97 strikes since its inception, creating ongoing insecurity for civilians. While negotiators work towards a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, reports of widespread civilian casualties and infrastructure damage raise urgent humanitarian questions.

The area in Gaza which Israel's military has defined as a “humanitarian zone” has reportedly endured 97 strikes since May 2024, according to analysis conducted by BBC Verify. This alarming revelation emerges as Qatar mediates ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas, with indications that an agreement might be on the horizon.

Established by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in October 2023, the zone was intended to safeguard civilians from conflict. However, on May 6, 2024, the IDF expanded its boundaries to encompass Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah, regions heavily populated with approximately one million residents living in dire conditions, often in makeshift tents with inadequate access to essential aid.

Local media reports have linked the strikes to the deaths of over 550 individuals, adding to the grave humanitarian crisis. In response, the IDF claims that its military action targets Hamas operatives in the zone, accusing them of violating international law and using civilians as shields. The ongoing conflict erupted following Hamas's attacks on October 7, 2023, which resulted in about 1,200 Israeli fatalities and numerous hostage situations.

Since launching its campaign against Hamas, Israel has severely damaged Gaza's infrastructure, as evidenced by satellite imagery depicting extensive destruction. The Hamas-run health ministry reports an estimated death toll exceeding 46,600 within the enclave since the conflict's commencement. Notably, BBC Verify indicates that attacks have intensified within the “humanitarian zone,” identifying at least 22 strikes recorded already in May 2024.

The IDF confirmed involvement in only 28 strikes since May and has not acknowledged every attack executed in Gaza historically. Gavin Kelleher from the Norwegian Refugee Council notes frequent strikes, including those from naval vessels and drones, with claims of ongoing heavy bombardment undermining the purported “humanitarian” status of the zone.

Residents echo mounting frustrations, with testimonies of daily assaults adding to their fears. Khaled Abdel Rahman, a local resident, describes being displaced under the belief that Khan Younis was a safe haven, only to be plagued by insecurity and trauma.

The processes for documenting and verifying attacks have become increasingly complex, particularly considering restrictions on foreign journalists’ access to Gaza. BBC Verify has relied on imagery from Palestinian journalists and social media while cross-checking these reports against local media documentation.

In total, the investigative team reviewed over 300 visual records since May within the defined humanitarian boundaries. Although distinguishing between combatants and innocent civilians is often challenging, numerous individuals, including women and children, have been seen recovering from strikes, emphasizing the civilian toll.

Some attacks within the humanitarian zone have resulted in significant casualties, with the deadliest reported on July 13, leading to over 90 deaths as identified by local health authorities. The IDF has maintained that actions taken were against Hamas assets including rocket launchers and operational headquarters.

Inhabitants face sustained uncertainty with the “humanitarian zone’s” boundaries changing 20 times, shrinking from about 7 square kilometers to as much as 72 square kilometers. Evacuation notices complicate matters further, with claims by the IDF that such alerts do not diminish the area’s humanitarian designation—though clarity on when it's safe to return remains elusive.

International humanitarian organizations have been vocally critical of the notion of a “safe zone” in Gaza, reiterating that no location offers guaranteed safety. Juliette Touma of UNRWA insists, “There is no safe zone in Gaza. No place is safe. No one is safe.” This ongoing crisis underscores the dire need for effective humanitarian responses as civilians grapple with the fallout of conflict.