Israeli Control Over Gaza Hits 70%, Human Rights Center Warns
Israeli forces control or restrict access to over 70 percent of Gaza, leaving only 15 percent inhabitable, the Gaza Center for Human Rights warned.
The Gaza Center for Human Rights has expressed concern over Israel's expansion of its presence in Gaza, which has resulted in the control or restriction of access to more than 70% of the territory's 365 square kilometers, Qatar News Agency (QNA) reported Wednesday.
This has left only an estimated 15% of Gaza usable for housing and shelter, after excluding areas that have been destroyed or lack essential services.
The center warned that the repeated displacement of Palestinians, shortages of shelter, and restrictions on reconstruction are deepening civilian hardship and hindering safe returns.
The practices raise concerns under Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, which prohibits the forcible transfer of protected persons from occupied territory.
The center urged ceasefire guarantors, including the United States, Egypt, Qatar, and Turkiye, to halt the expansion, protect civilians, facilitate reconstruction, and ensure displaced Palestinians can safely and voluntarily return home.
The Gaza Center for Human Rights also said that Israel's actions are pushing Palestinians from populated areas through shelling, gunfire, and demolitions.
Gaza has been under Israeli blockade since 2007, when Hamas took control of the territory.
The blockade has severely restricted the movement of people and goods in and out of Gaza, leading to widespread poverty and unemployment.
