Israeli Regime Reduces 'Safe Zones' to Debris, Sparing Only 9.5% of Gaza for Civilian Refuge
At the start of the regime’s ground invasion in early November 2023, civilians were displaced from northern to southern Gaza, with initial so-called safe zones covering 230 square kilometers, or 63% of Gaza's total area. These zones included agricultural, commercial, and service facilities, the Palestinian office said in a Saturday statement.
As military offensives continued, the size of these zones decreased. By early December 2023, following incursions into Khan Younis, the zones were reduced to 140 square kilometers, or 38.3% of Gaza.
Further reductions occurred in May 2024 during the incursion into Rafah, shrinking the zones to 79 square kilometers, or 20% of Gaza.
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By mid-June 2024, the zones were reduced to 60 square kilometers, or 16.4% of Gaza, including roads, streets, and cemeteries.
In mid-July 2024, the area deemed safe was further reduced to 48 square kilometers, or 13.15% of Gaza.
As of August 2024, the safe zones have been reduced to 35 square kilometers, or 9.5% of Gaza's total area, with only 3.5% of agricultural, service, and commercial areas remaining.
The reduction of these zones has worsened the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, limiting safe havens for civilians.
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The Israeli aggression has resulted in over 40,200 Palestinian deaths and more than 93,000 injuries, according to local health authorities. The blockade of Gaza has led to severe shortages of food, clean water, and medicine.
The occupying regime continues its onslaught despite a UN Security Council resolution calling for a cease-fire. The International Court of Justice has ordered a halt to military operations in Rafah, where over one million Palestinians had sought refuge.
Source: Agencies
