Israel Shrinks Humanitarian Zone in Gaza Amid Ground Assault

On Tuesday, July 23rd, dozens of Palestinians were killed, and thousands more were forced to flee after Israel launched a fresh ground assault in the southern Gazan city of Khan Younis. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced it was reducing the size of what they call a  “humanitarian zone,” ordering evacuations from eastern neighborhoods due to intelligence that Hamas had embedded there. The UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) criticized the evacuation order as ”confusing” and providing insufficient time for civilians to leave safely.

CNN reported exhausted and angry Palestinians fleeing Khan Younis, expressing frustration not only at Israel but also at Hamas and other Arab states. The death toll continued to rise, with the Palestinian government media office reporting 89 deaths and 263 injuries, and nearly 200 buildings bombed. Dr. Mohammad Saqer from Nasser Medical Complex stated that most of the 75 Palestinians killed since Monday morning were women and children, with more than 200 injuries, many in serious condition.

The IDF claimed its aircraft struck over 50 terror infrastructure sites, including weapons storage facilities and underground tunnels, and “killed dozens of terrorists in Rafah.” However, CNN could not independently verify these claims. While the attacks on Palestinians have been ongoing for decades, this most recent conflict began on October 7 when Hamas attacked southern Israel, breaking down an apartheid wall built to restrict the movement of Palestinians, resulting in at least 1,200 deaths and over 250 abductions, according to Israeli authorities. Subsequent Israeli strikes in Gaza have killed 39,090 Palestinians and injured another 90,147, according to Gazan authorities.

Many Palestinians criticized Hamas and Arab states for their perceived inaction. Um Hazem Sammoun questioned Arab leaders’ absence and expressed her fear for her children amidst the bombardment. A visibly angry man addressed Hamas leaders, questioning their leadership and the suffering they brought upon the people. Another evacuee, Riham Al Agha, lamented the constant evacuations and the loss of children, pleading for a solution to their plight.

The IDF’s evacuation order was disseminated through leaflets, text messages, and social media, urging civilians to move to a new humanitarian zone. The inclusion of parts of the humanitarian zone in the evacuation order reduced it significantly, forcing 1.7 million people into a cramped area. The UN Relief and Works Agency warned that these orders would cause “more suffering and displacement.”

The OHCHR raised concerns about Israel’s compliance with international law, stating that the mass evacuation orders amidst increased attacks placed civilians in greater danger. Many displaced individuals have been forced to Al-Mawasi, a tent city with limited infrastructure and humanitarian aid. The IDF defended the evacuation order, citing significant terrorist activity and rocket fire from the evacuated areas, making them unsafe for civilians.