Gaza City – June 5, 2025 – In response to ongoing Israeli military operations, thousands of Palestinians have taken refuge in al-Mawasi, an area designated by Israel as a “humanitarian safe zone.” However, numerous airstrikes and shelling have raised questions over its safety.
Al-Mawasi, which runs along the coast from Deir al-Balah to Rafah and was designated by Israel as a safe zone in December 2023, has since become an evacuation hub. Since its designation, many Palestinians displaced from other parts of Gaza have sought shelter there following orders of evacuation; yet multiple attacks against al-Mawasi have continued year-after-year (Reuters.com/+1; Wikipedia).
Notably, on July 13, 2024 Israeli airstrikes targeting al-Mawasi resulted in at least 90 civilian deaths and 300+ injuries; Israel claimed the strikes targeted senior Hamas leaders; however, due to high civilian toll international condemnation ensued; subsequent attacks in May and June further deepened humanitarian crises in aljazeera.com
Human rights groups such as the Norwegian Refugee Council have voiced strong criticisms against repeated targeting of designated safe zones, alleging such actions undermine civilian protection and may violate international law. Furthermore, the UN expressed serious alarm at al-Mawasi attacks and underlined the need for genuine humanitarian corridors and safe areas to provide refuge to displaced populations.
Al-Mawasi reflects a much broader humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where over 1.9 million people have been displaced since hostilities escalated in October 2023. Access to essential services – food, water and medical care – remains severely restricted with aid organizations facing security challenges when trying to reach affected populations.
As the conflict escalates, humanitarian zones like al-Mawasi remain uncertain in terms of safety for civilians, calling into question their viability as areas for providing humanitarian aid and protection of civilians. Urgent international intervention is required in order to protect these civilians while also guaranteeing delivery of assistance.