Gaza’s no-go zones expanded to 70% as Israel implements new restrictions, according to recent maps.

Israel’s recent military actions have significantly impacted the humanitarian situation in Gaza, as approximately 70 percent of the area has been designated as no-go zones or subjected to forced displacement orders. This assessment, provided by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), underscores the severity of the situation for the Palestinian population.

The southern region of Gaza, particularly the Rafah governorate, has been declared a no-go zone, with the Israeli military implementing forced displacement orders since the end of March. In the northern sector, Gaza City largely remains under similar constraints, with only isolated areas in the northwest exempted. Furthermore, entire sections east of Shujayea and along the Israeli border face similar restrictions, which further complicates an already dire humanitarian landscape.

In light of these developments, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced intentions for a new ground offensive aimed at forcibly relocating Gaza’s over two million inhabitants, promising to maintain a “sustained presence” in seized areas. This strategy follows a unanimous decision by Netanyahu’s cabinet to mobilize 60,000 reservists and to place the military in charge of providing essential supplies to the region.

Reports from within Gaza reflect a widespread sentiment among Palestinians that these actions represent collective punishment, intended to alter the demographic and political landscape. Many are growing increasingly concerned about their ability to return to their homes. As the Israeli military pursues its objectives—allegedly targeting Hamas’s military capabilities—Palestinians fear that these actions may lead to a long-term displacement of their community.

Despite the challenging circumstances, a palpable determination persists among the population. Social media has become a platform for expressions of resilience, with messages repeatedly affirming their intent to remain in Gaza at all costs.

Amidst this turmoil, the Palestine Red Crescent Society (PRCS) warns of an “extreme risk of famine,” with local markets and aid distribution centers becoming virtually empty. B’Tselem, an Israeli human rights organization, has accused the Israeli government of employing starvation as a tactic of warfare, stating that half of those affected are children.

According to the PRCS, the nutritional crisis has reached alarming levels, with over a million displaced individuals unable to meet even the minimum daily requirements for sustenance. Food stocks designated for those displaced are depleted, with only limited resources being allocated to community kitchens to provide basic needs.

The ongoing conflict has led to tragic losses, with reports indicating that since the breakdown of a nearly two-month ceasefire on March 18, over 2,459 Palestinians have lost their lives, raising the total number of confirmed fatalities in Gaza to over 52,567. In light of these developments, numerous humanitarian organizations are calling for urgent international intervention to address the escalating crisis and aid those in need.

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