Israeli military declares Gaza as a "humanitarian area"

In the overcrowded Al-Mawasi area of Gaza, a designated "humanitarian zone" is gearing up to accommodate a potential influx of residents as the city braces for a large-scale Israeli offensive. This coastal area, approximately nine square kilometers, is home to around 425,000 people living in vast tent camps.

The Israeli army declared Al-Mawasi a "humanitarian zone" in December 2023, with essential humanitarian infrastructure including field hospitals, water pipelines, and desalination plants. However, recent reports by UN organizations highlight concerns about the insufficient provision of latrines, communal toilets, and waste disposal in the zone.

The capacity of the field clinics in the Al-Mawasi "humanitarian zone" is also a cause for concern, given the large number of people. UNICEF, OCHA, UNOPS, UNRWA, WFP, and WHO are among the UN organizations currently supporting the population in Al-Mawasi, providing food, medical care, and essential humanitarian aid despite severe access restrictions and blockades.

As the Israeli army prepares for a corresponding offensive against the city of Gaza, the Israeli army spokesman has urged residents of northern Gaza to move to the Al-Mawasi area as soon as possible. The Israeli government plans to militarily occupy the northern, blockaded coastal area of the city of Gaza during the war against Hamas.

In recent days, the Israeli military has intensified air strikes in the city of Gaza, with approximately 100,000 residents already having left the city due to the impending offensive. The city, estimated to have nearly a million residents, is anticipated to be the target of the Israeli offensive during the war against Hamas.

The Israeli army's "humanitarian zone" in Al-Mawasi is also used for the delivery of humanitarian aid. Despite the challenges, UN organizations continue to work tirelessly to ensure the well-being of the people in Al-Mawasi, striving to meet the growing needs in this critical time.