Israel has generated intense international criticism by designating approximately 69% of Gaza’s land area as “no-go zones”, effectively restricting civilian access to vast regions already threatened. Human rights organizations and UN agencies warn this new policy exacerbates an already dire humanitarian situation where millions have already been displaced and aid access remains severely limited.
OCHA and local monitoring groups conducted a joint assessment that revealed Israeli military-declared “security operations zones”, covering parts of northern, central, and southern Gaza. Residents living or sheltering within these areas have been ordered out with little warning and without safe corridors in which to do so.
“This designation leaves over two-thirds of Gaza uninhabitable,” according to Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner-General of UNRWA. “Civilians cannot find safe refuge here and there is nowhere safe for them. This isn’t simply a displacement crisis–it is also a deliberate strategy of containment and control.”
Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) contend that these measures are necessary in order to isolate militant groups operating in civilian areas and to stop rocket attacks on Israeli towns. A spokesperson from IDF emphasized the restrictions are “temporary but vital” for operational success and civilian protection on both sides.
However, Palestinian officials and international rights advocates argue the designation is collective punishment. Given Gaza is already subject to strict blockades and regular airstrikes, further compression would worsen food shortages, limit medical access, and increase risks of mass casualties.
Omar Shakir, Israel and Palestine Director at Human Rights Watch stated, “Israel’s declaration of most of Gaza off-limits constitutes a grave breach of international humanitarian law and endangers lives on an unprecedented scale,” with this decision including homes, schools, hospitals and shelters being off-limits to Israeli forces.
Satellite imagery and witness reports confirm that even areas once considered safe zones have now become restricted zones. Reports from humanitarian workers on the ground suggest that displaced families are increasingly being forced into smaller and overcrowded regions in the south, where aid delivery remains spotty and infrastructure collapses rapidly.
Global leaders, including EU officials and Middle Eastern diplomats, are calling on Israel to revise its no-go policy and open humanitarian corridors immediately. Meanwhile tensions remain high; residents in Gaza continue to bear the brunt of an endless conflict.
As pressure on Gaza increases, international authorities face an important decision: for how much longer can Gaza survive under these circumstances.