As the blockade on humanitarian aid entering Gaza stretches into its seventh week, the territory’s designated “safe havens” are increasingly becoming scenes of death and despair. Recent reports paint a grim picture of intensified Israeli strikes amidst a deepening humanitarian crisis, raising serious questions about the effectiveness and safety of these so-called humanitarian zones.
On April 19, 2025, reports indicated that over 90 Palestinians had been killed in the preceding 48 hours due to Israeli strikes across Gaza. Fifteen of these deaths occurred overnight, with women and children among the victims, many of whom were seeking refuge in areas supposedly designated as humanitarian zones. These zones, intended to provide safe shelter for civilians, are now being described by some as death traps.
The dire situation is further exacerbated by the ongoing blockade, which has severely restricted the entry of essential supplies. A UN report highlighted the rapidly escalating military activities and the fact that humanitarian aid has been blocked from entering Gaza for almost seven weeks. Consequently, thousands of children are suffering from malnutrition, and most people are barely managing to secure one meal per day.
The World Food Programme has issued an urgent warning, stating that “Gaza needs food now.” However, with aid deliveries consistently hampered, the humanitarian crisis continues to worsen. The lack of access to basic necessities, coupled with the ongoing violence, has created a catastrophic situation for the civilian population.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has reiterated his commitment to continue the military campaign until Hamas is destroyed, the hostages are freed, and the territory no longer poses a threat to Israel. He cited Hamas’s rejection of a recent ceasefire proposal as justification for continued military action. In response, the Qassam Brigades, the military wing of Hamas, claimed to have carried out an ambush against Israeli forces operating east of Gaza City’s al-Tuffah neighborhood on April 19, 2025.
Casualty figures continue to climb, with Gaza’s Health Ministry reporting that at least 51,065 Palestinians have been confirmed dead and 116,505 wounded since the start of the war. The Gaza Government Media Office estimates an even higher death toll, reporting more than 61,700 fatalities and stating that thousands are missing and presumed dead under the rubble.
The UNRWA situation report from April 17, 2025, underscores the urgent need for humanitarian access to Gaza. The organization emphasized that the continued blockade is leading to a rapid depletion of essential supplies, further endangering the lives of vulnerable civilians. As the conflict drags on, the humanitarian situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, raising serious concerns about the safety and viability of the designated “safe havens.”