IDF Limits Protected Sites in Gaza, Escalates Military Operations

Humanitarian workers in northern Gaza are facing intensified warnings from the Israeli military, which has stated that only hospitals will be designated as protected sites. All other aid infrastructure is at risk of being targeted. In communications with aid workers, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) specified that an evacuation order for Gaza City applies to all humanitarian locations, with the exception of hospitals. The IDF emphasized that to defeat Hamas, Israeli troops would operate “with great force.”

The situation in Gaza City has escalated, with the IDF announcing expanded military operations. As of now, between a quarter and half a million of the city’s estimated 1 million residents have fled, but many displaced individuals report having no means to leave. The cost of transportation for the arduous journey south has skyrocketed to as much as $2,000 (£1,500), leaving many trapped in precarious conditions.

Toufic Abu Mouawad, a displaced resident, described the harrowing circumstances: “I want to flee with the boys, the girls, the children. This is the situation that we are living in. It is a very tragic situation.” The IDF’s operations have led to relentless bombardments, compounding the trauma experienced by civilians.

As the conflict intensifies, Israeli officials announced plans to establish a “humanitarian zone” in the underdeveloped al-Mawasi coastal area of southern Gaza. This initiative aims to build new aid distribution sites, supply electricity to desalination plants, and facilitate increased aid access. However, the devastation in northern Gaza raises concerns regarding the future of its residents. Much of the area is already in ruins, and if Israeli troops gain control of Gaza City, the entire population of 2.1 million in the territory would be confined to a limited enclave in the south.

Currently, all checkpoints for entering Gaza are located in the south, with the Zikim checkpoint serving the north having been closed since last week. The destruction across northern Gaza has been systematic, intensifying over the past 23 months of conflict. As one senior aid official noted, “There is an emotional attachment but there is a real question mark over how you would live” if civilians were to return.

The IDF has set up two new aid distribution hubs near Gaza’s southern border with Egypt, which will be operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF). This private organization, backed by the U.S. and Israel, began its operations in May and has been distributing food boxes on a first-come, first-served basis. Recent reports indicate that GHF distributed 12 truckloads of food at two sites in southern Gaza, specifically in the ruins of Rafah and Khan Younis.

Despite these efforts, the main entry point from Israel serving northern Gaza has been shut, complicating logistics for aid convoys from the south. Aid workers have reported that permission for these convoys is often denied by the IDF. A famine was declared in Gaza City last month by UN-backed experts, highlighting the dire humanitarian situation.

The IDF has claimed it is expanding the Kissufim crossing to facilitate more aid into the designated humanitarian zone in al-Mawasi. However, this will only benefit southern Gaza. Aid into the region had been effectively blocked by Israel between March and May, allowing only minimal amounts until recent weeks. Currently, approximately 250 trucks are delivering food and essential supplies into Gaza daily, but this figure is a fraction of what is needed. Restrictions persist, impacting the quality of aid being received.

Katy Crosby, senior director of policy and advocacy at Mercy Corps, stated, “It is better no doubt than in June and July but not the kind of better that will move the needle in any major way on the famine, for children dying of malnutrition or in terms of the day-to-day life of the average Gazan.” Many of the trucks delivering aid are commercially operated, bringing in non-nutritious items like soft drinks and snacks that are expensive for the local population.

Political motivations behind the renewed offensive into Gaza City have been suggested by some analysts. Observers believe that maintaining a state of conflict could prevent early elections that might jeopardize Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s coalition. There are concerns that this strategy may lead to the permanent displacement of Palestinians from Gaza.

COGAT, the Israeli defense ministry body managing access to Gaza, recently issued advice for Palestinians wishing to leave. Bezalel Smotrich, Israel’s far-right finance minister, controversially referred to Gaza as a “real-estate bonanza,” reflecting the complex and contentious dynamics surrounding the ongoing crisis.

As the humanitarian situation continues to deteriorate, the international community watches closely, hoping for a resolution to the suffering faced by civilians in Gaza.