Israel sets ablaze ‘humanitarian zone’ in south Gaza

Overnight attacks by Israel on displacement tents caused fires to erupt in al-Mawasi area, west of Khan Younis in south Gaza, resulting in a number of civilian casualties. 

Clips shared online show flames engulfing the tents, as local sources noted that Palestinians attempting to extinguish the fires had to use primitive equipment, due to the absence of emergency crews after their repeated targeting.

The aerial assault on the Israeli-designated "humanitarian zone" follows several expulsion orders issued to residents of al-Zeitoun neighbourhood, in Gaza City.

The residents had been ordered to immediately head towards al-Mawasi.

Although al-Mawasi has been considered a "safe zone", the Israeli military has repeatedly bombed the area over the past year and a half. Palestinians in Gaza, along with the UN, have long stated that there are no safe zones in the territory. 

Read more: Israel torches ‘safe zone’ in south Gaza as four more killed by starvation