Gaza humanitarian zone faces criticism amid Israeli offensive

As Israel continues its military offensive in Gaza, approximately 1.8 million Palestinians have been displaced, with many directed to a designated “humanitarian zone” in Al-Mawasi, a narrow strip of land by the Mediterranean Sea. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have repeatedly urged civilians to evacuate to this area, which is smaller than London’s Heathrow Airport.

Despite the IDF’s efforts to establish Al-Mawasi as a safe haven, evacuees like Reem Abd Rabu report challenges in accessing basic services. She describes the area as abandoned, lacking consistent water and electricity supply. The changing instructions from the IDF, coupled with limited internet connectivity, have made it difficult for people to identify safe areas in other parts of Gaza.

Mona al-Astal, a doctor forced to leave Khan Younis, highlights the distressing conditions within the humanitarian zone, including a shortage of supplies. She witnessed people breaking into a UN agency storehouse due to hunger. Additionally, the spread of diseases among children, such as lice, chickenpox, and intestinal infections, adds to the dire situation.

Evacuee Mohammed Ghanem criticizes the safety of Al-Mawasi, noting the presence of Israeli tanks and strikes near the designated zone. The BBC’s investigation reveals damage approximately 500 meters away from the specified area, raising concerns about the effectiveness of the humanitarian zone.

While the IDF claims that Hamas launched a rocket from Al-Mawasi on December 6, the BBC has not independently verified this information. International agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO) and the United Nations, express concerns about the viability of such humanitarian zones in the midst of widespread fighting and airstrikes across Gaza. WHO Chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus calls the plan for Al-Mawasi “a recipe for disaster,” emphasizing the heightened health risks for those forced into such a small area with limited infrastructure.

The United Nations’ Andrea de Domenico declares the overall situation in Gaza as catastrophic, asserting that unilaterally declared safe zones cannot adequately protect civilians. As the conflict unfolds, criticism mounts regarding the effectiveness and humanitarian conditions within the designated zone in Al-Mawasi.