Gaza: Humanitarian Zones continue to shrink as violence escalates

29 international NGOs denounce a new operational reality in Gaza. While July was marked by the lowest amount of aid entering the Strip since the start of the military offensive, NGOs must now face new restrictions: less aid allowed to enter, and more and more forced displacement orders issued by the Israeli government within the so-called “humanitarian” zone.

In August, 16 Israeli forced displacement orders pushed civilians and aid workers into a shrinking area. It is now less than 36.5 km², almost the size of the city of Tours. More than 250,000 people were displaced during the month. The operations of Doctors of the World and at least 23 international NGOs were severely impacted.

With the resurgence of epidemics such as polio, these restrictions are all the more inhumane as they prevent populations from having access to urgent medical care and basic necessities such as food and drinking water.

Increased restrictions on international NGOs include:

• Lack of concrete measures to protect humanitarian workers in the Gaza Strip: Israel has put in place two mechanisms that effectively provide no security for humanitarian workers. The first, the so-called “humanitarian zone,” has no legal basis and provides no security due to repeated attacks inside the zone. The second, the humanitarian notification system that allows organizations to inform Israeli forces of their positions and movements, also offers no real protection given the repeated Israeli strikes on notified sites, including international NGO premises. NGOs are taking unprecedented risks to deliver aid.

• Increased forced displacement orders within the area unilaterally designated by Israel as “humanitarian”: The latest forced displacement orders have affected many areas within this area, reducing its size from 12.6% to less than 10% of the Gaza Strip. NGOs fear that this area will be further reduced and could soon be divided into two separate areas, isolating civilians and further cutting off aid to those in desperate need. Furthermore, this area does not guarantee the population safety from military operations.

• Forced restriction of humanitarian operations: When issuing forced displacement orders, Israeli forces make it clear that large-scale ground military operations will follow in these areas. NGOs therefore have no choice but to continually move and reduce their operational area, which prevents them from operating on the basis of fundamental humanitarian principles.

• Severe restrictions on the flow of essential goods into Gaza: Israel has banned a large number of goods from entering Gaza due to their potential dual use in military operations. However, with essential items such as diapers and antibiotics included in this list, the true intent of these restrictions is questionable. Doctors of the World notes with concern the increasingly stringent restrictions on the amount of cash allowed into Gaza and on medical supplies, which are further hampering our emergency humanitarian response.

The signatory international NGOs urge the international community to take steps to secure an immediate and lasting ceasefire to protect civilians and ensure that life-saving aid can reach all those in need, without compromising the safety of humanitarian personnel.

Photography 

MdM France