Since Israel resumed its military operations in Gaza in March 2025, the Al Mawasi safe zone has quietly disappeared from official maps, raising questions about the safety and displacement of Palestinian civilians. Reports indicate that despite the removal of these designated areas, forced relocations to Al Mawasi continue as Israel expands its control over Gaza.1 This development has drawn comparisons to historical conflicts, such as Sri Lanka’s 2009 “No Fire Zones,” where civilians were later targeted.3
Background and Key Findings
The Al Mawasi safe zone, once a designated area for civilians seeking refuge, was removed from Israeli military maps without public announcement. Satellite imagery and testimonies confirm that Israel has seized over 50% of Gaza’s territory, including the Rafah border area, which was previously a critical lifeline for humanitarian aid.2 The expansion of buffer zones has further restricted movement, isolating Gaza from Egypt and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.4
According to Al Jazeera, the removal of safe zones coincides with a sharp increase in civilian casualties, with nearly 2,000 Palestinians killed in one month.4 The Cradle reports that Israel has abandoned safe zone designations entirely, tightening its siege and blocking aid deliveries.4 These actions have drawn criticism from human rights organizations, with some comparing the situation to Sri Lanka’s 2009 conflict, where civilians were herded into so-called safe zones only to be later bombed.3
Humanitarian and Legal Implications
The disappearance of safe zones has severe consequences for Gaza’s civilian population. Forced displacements to Al Mawasi continue despite its removal from official maps, leaving many without access to basic necessities or protection from military operations.1 The International Court of Justice (ICJ) and the International Criminal Court (ICC) have been urged to investigate potential violations of international law, but enforcement remains uncertain.4
NPR’s analysis of satellite imagery highlights the rapid territorial changes in Gaza, with military corridors cutting off key areas.2 The Rafah border, once a critical entry point for aid, is now a militarized zone, further isolating Gaza from external support.2 This has led to worsening conditions for displaced families, many of whom lack shelter, food, and medical care.
Historical Parallels and Global Response
Comparisons to Sri Lanka’s 2009 conflict underscore the risks of designating safe zones in active war zones. In that conflict, civilians were directed to “No Fire Zones,” which were later bombed by government forces.3 Unlike Sri Lanka, Gaza’s situation is being documented in real time, yet global inaction persists.3 Online discussions, particularly on Reddit, have highlighted these parallels and criticized Western media for perceived bias in coverage.5
The lack of accountability for these actions has raised concerns among legal experts and human rights advocates. The ICC has previously investigated war crimes in Gaza, but progress has been slow, and Israel has rejected its jurisdiction.4 Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis deepens, with aid organizations struggling to operate under siege conditions.
Conclusion
The removal of Gaza’s safe zones from Israeli maps marks a significant escalation in the conflict, with dire humanitarian consequences. The expansion of buffer zones and the isolation of Rafah have further restricted civilian movement and access to aid. Historical parallels to Sri Lanka’s conflict highlight the dangers of relying on designated safe zones in active war zones. As the situation evolves, international scrutiny and legal accountability will be critical in addressing the crisis.
References
- Why have Israel’s Gaza safe zones disappeared from its maps? Al Jazeera, Apr. 23, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.aljazeera.com/video/newsfeed/2025/4/23/why-have-israels-gaza-safe-zones-disappeared-from-its-maps
- Gaza territory shrinks drastically as Israel seizes huge swaths of land. NPR, Apr. 14, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.npr.org/2025/04/14/g-s1-59633/gaza-buffer-zone-israel-military
- Like Sri Lanka once did, Israel has turned ‘safe zones’ into killing fields. Al Jazeera Opinion, Jun. 11, 2024. [Online]. Available: https://www.aljazeera.com/opinions/2024/6/11/like-sri-lanka-once-did-israel-has-turned-safe-zones-into-killing-fields
- Israeli army stopped designating Gaza ‘safe zones’ after restart of genocide. The Cradle, Apr. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://thecradle.co/articles/israeli-army-stopped-designating-gaza-safe-zones-after-restart-of-genocide
- Reddit Threads on Gaza Safe Zones. Reddit, Apr. 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.reddit.com/r/WorldNewsHeadlines/comments/1k5zo35/why_have_israels_gaza_safe_zones_disappeared_from/
