GENEVA: The United Nations has said that the creation of “safe zones” within the Gaza Strip, as proposed by Israel amid its ongoing bombing campaign, is scientifically, rationally, and logistically impossible.
Israel had initially urged Palestinian civilians in the north of the territory to seek refuge in these designated areas, and later expanded the call to residents in the south as its military expanded operation.
James Elder, spokesman for the UN children’s agency UNICEF, stated during a press briefing in Geneva that the concept of these so-called safe zones lacks scientific basis and is not viable. Elder emphasized that authorities are aware of the impracticality of such zones. He described them as “callous” and highlighting the absence of essential conditions like food, water, medicine, and shelter.
Fear Grips Gaza as Israel Intensifies Attacks
As Israel’s offensive intensifies and reaches deeper into Gaza, concerns have been raised by international aid organizations about the diminishing options for civilians to find secure locations. Elder, who recently spent time in Gaza, stressed that the areas declared as safe zones by Israel do not meet the criteria of proper safe zones, lacking basic necessities and posing risks of disease outbreaks.
Over 16,000 Palestinians have been killed in a massive Israeli military campaign in the besieged Gaza Strip.
Meanwhile, as fear grips southern Gaza amid Israeli bombardment, the Norwegian Refugee Council’s chief warned that Israel’s “indiscriminate bombardment” of Palestinian civilians in the region has reached “new depths.” The Israeli army, initially focusing on the north of the enclave, has now intensified attacks in the south, including near hospitals.
