The ongoing conflict in Gaza has increasingly drawn attention, particularly concerning the so-called “humanitarian zone” established by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) for the alleged protection of civilians. A recent analysis conducted by BBC Verify reveals a staggering number of strikes—97—within this designated zone since May. The data has emerged amidst ongoing negotiations for a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, mediated by Qatar, which are reported to be in their final stages, offering a glimmer of hope for a resolution.
Initially implemented in October 2023, this so-called humanitarian zone was intended to provide safety for civilians affected by the violence. However, the IDF has since expanded the area, particularly on May 6, 2024, which now includes significant urban centers such as Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah. This area, part of a closely populated strip along the Mediterranean, is home to more than a million people, many of whom live in tents and face severe infrastructure challenges and limited access to aid.
Local reports indicate that the strikes have led to considerable civilian casualties, with at least 550 deaths linked to the attacks within this supposed safe zone. The IDF claims that its actions target Hamas operatives who are purportedly using civilians as human shields and launching rockets from this area, which they argue is a violation of international law. This assertion highlights the complexity of the conflict, where military objectives and humanitarian claims intersect precariously.
The war originated in a shocking attack by Hamas on October 7, 2023, resulting in approximately 1,200 Israeli fatalities and the abduction of 251 individuals. In retaliation, Israel launched a mission to dismantle Hamas’s operational capabilities, leading to widespread devastation across Gaza. Satellite imagery showed extensive destruction, and the Hamas-led health ministry reported over 46,600 fatalities within the enclave since the conflict began.
The BBC analysis points to a troubling intensification of strikes, particularly since May 2024, with at least 22 attacks recorded already in the current month. However, key details remain ambiguous regarding the IDF’s involvement in all reported incidents, as only 28 attacks post-May 6 have been acknowledged by Israel. Even the IDF’s public acknowledgment practices complicate the clarity surrounding their military actions in Gaza.
Gavin Kelleher of the Norwegian Refugee Council describes near-constant strikes within the humanitarian zone, including from Israeli naval vessels and drone operations. He emphasizes that despite Israel’s unilateral declarations of safety, heavy bombardments continue relentlessly, leaving residents in a state of perpetual insecurity. One local displaced individual, Khaled Abdel Rahman, expressed the tragic irony of his relocation to what was thought to be a safe area, only to find enduring threats to life and safety.
The media’s ability to report accurately from Gaza is significantly hindered, as Israel restricts foreign reporter access. Consequently, outlets like the BBC rely on local Palestinian journalists and residents for information. To monitor the situation in the humanitarian zone, BBC Verify has scrutinized social media and local reports, contributing to an evolving narrative that reflects the tension between military objectives and humanitarian needs.
The findings underscore an alarming reality: while the humanitarian zone is designated for civilian safety, actual conditions reveal the contrary. Many strikes have occurred within close proximity to critical medical facilities, amplifying fears among residents. The situation is fluid, characterized by changing boundaries of the humanitarian zone based on IDF evacuation notices that reflect the precariousness of safety in the region.
Significantly, despite the IDF’s clarifications regarding the humanitarian zone, international humanitarian organizations, including the UN, have firmly stated that no area can be deemed genuinely safe amidst such violence. Juliette Touma of UNRWA has emphatically remarked that no aspect of Gaza is secure, reinforcing the notion that the ongoing conflict engenders fear and uncertainty for its inhabitants.
As negotiations continue, reports of violence within the humanitarian zone remain a crucial focal point, emphasizing the pressing need for tangible efforts toward peace and stability in the region.
