Military forces of Israel declare Gaza as a "humanitarian area"

In the war-torn region of Gaza, the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone has become a vital lifeline for thousands of displaced residents. Designated as a humanitarian zone by the Israeli army, this coastal area near Khan Yunis has been the focus of urgent humanitarian efforts by various UN organizations, including UNICEF, OCHA, UNOPS, UNRWA, WFP, and WHO.

The Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone was established to provide a safe haven for civilians and to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, it has been targeted during the Israeli army's operation against Islamic Hamas in December 2023. Despite this, the zone continues to serve as a critical point for aid distribution.

The Israeli army has urged residents of the city of Gaza, particularly those in the northern region, to move to the Al-Mawasi area as soon as possible. With an estimated population of almost a million people living in the city, the influx of displaced residents has strained the resources of the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone.

The zone, covering approximately nine square kilometers, is currently home to vast tent camps, housing an estimated 425,000 people. This overcrowding has put a significant strain on the zone's resources, with the capacities of the field clinics proving inadequate to meet the large number of people.

Despite these challenges, the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone boasts essential infrastructure, including field hospitals, water pipelines, and desalination plants, suggesting it may serve as a refuge for civilians during the anticipated offensive. However, the lack of sufficient latrines, communal toilets, and waste disposal facilities has become a pressing concern.

The Israeli government's plans to militarily occupy the city of Gaza in the northern, sealed-off coastal area have heightened tensions. The Israeli military has intensified its air strikes in recent days, indicating a corresponding offensive may be imminent.

As nearly 100,000 people have already fled the city of Gaza, the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone remains a potential refuge for civilians during the anticipated offensive. UN organizations have called for increased support to address the growing humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and services to accommodate the large number of displaced residents.

The designation of the Al-Mawasi area as a humanitarian zone by the Israeli army suggests an effort to protect civilians during military operations in Gaza. However, the strain on resources and the ongoing conflict highlight the urgent need for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing crisis.