Israeli Forces Warn: No Place in Gaza is Safe Except Hospitals

International Desk | PNN

The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have issued a warning to humanitarian aid workers in northern Gaza. According to their statement, only hospitals will be considered “safe zones,” while no other humanitarian infrastructure is safe and may become a target of attacks.

On Friday, the IDF announced that their operations in Gaza City have expanded, targeting “Hamas infrastructure” with artillery fire. Between 100,000 and 500,000 people have already fled the city, but many remain due to limited financial means or lack of safe shelter. Traveling south by car now costs nearly $2,000 for a single trip.

Resident Tawfiq Abu Mawad said, “Shelling from tanks continued all night. I want to flee with my children, but there is no way to leave. Our situation is very dire.”

Israel has stated that a new “humanitarian zone” is being created in the southern Al-Mawasi coastal area. Plans include establishing food distribution centers, electricity supply, and desalination plants for water. However, human rights activists have warned that the area is already overcrowded and insufficiently equipped, making it unfit for habitation.

According to United Nations data, no aid was allowed into Gaza from March to May. Currently, about 250 trucks enter daily, but this is far below the required amount. Many trucks carry commercial goods that are expensive and lack proper nutrition.

Analysts say that this new operation is not only military but also carries political objectives. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s government is under internal pressure and may be attempting to maintain the conflict to avoid early elections. Right-wing allies are pushing to make northern Gaza permanently uninhabitable.

Israeli Minister Bezalel Smotrich went further, describing Gaza as a “prime real estate opportunity.” Meanwhile, the Israeli Defense Ministry’s Kogat agency has advised Palestinians to leave the area.