Military forces in Israel have declared Gaza to be a "humanitarian area"

In the southern Gaza Strip, the Al-Mawasi area, designated as a humanitarian zone, is currently overcrowded with almost a million people residing in the city of Gaza. This area, equipped with infrastructure for medical, water, and desalination purposes, was reactivated in June 2024, hosting displaced Palestinians forced there by Israeli evacuation orders.

The Israeli army had already declared the coastal area a "humanitarian zone" in December 2023, and in recent days, the military has intensified air strikes in the city of Gaza. The army spokesman announced the preparations for an offensive against the city, but the exact timing remains uncertain.

The capacities of the field clinics in the Al-Mawasi area are insufficient given the large number of people, and UN organizations have described the provision of latrines, communal toilets, and waste disposal as inadequate. Despite these challenges, humanitarian aid is being delivered to the area.

The Israeli government's plans to militarily capture the city of Gaza, including the northern sealed coastal area, have been made public. However, less than 100,000 people have left the city so far due to the impending offensive. The residents of the Al-Mawasi area live in huge tent camps, and the spokesman has urged residents in northern Gaza to move to the Al-Mawasi area as soon as possible.

The Al-Mawasi area was previously urged as a safe haven for the civilian population during a conflict in northern and central Gaza in December 2023. The area boasts significant humanitarian infrastructure such as field hospitals, water pipelines, and desalination plants.

As the situation in Gaza continues to evolve, it is crucial to ensure the safety and well-being of all those affected. The international community must continue to provide humanitarian aid and support to the people of Gaza during these challenging times.