Israeli Airstrikes Kill Palestinians in Designated 'Safe Zones' in Southern Gaza, NBC News Investigation Finds

An NBC News investigation has revealed that Israeli airstrikes have killed Palestinian civilians in areas of southern Gaza that the Israeli military had explicitly designated as safe zones. The attacks took place from January to April 2024, as Israel's military bombarded Rafah from the air and the government signaled its intent to launch a full-scale ground invasion.

According to the investigation, the Israeli military dropped leaflets on December 18, 2023, identifying Rafah's Tal Al Sultan, Al Zuhur, and Al Shaboura neighborhoods as safe zones. However, subsequent airstrikes hit these areas, killing dozens of people, including women and children. NBC News crews filmed the aftermath of the strikes, which hit areas identified by the Israeli military as evacuation zones.

The investigation also found that the Israeli military had advised people to evacuate to the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone, which was also struck by airstrikes, killing 14 people, including three children. The Israeli military denied being aware of strikes at the provided coordinates and blamed Hamas for telling people to ignore its directives.

Why this matters: The incidents highlighted in the NBC News investigation raise serious concerns about the safety of Palestinian civilians in Gaza, even in areas designated as safe zones by the Israeli military. The findings emphasize the challenges and risks faced by civilians caught in the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Human rights groups have criticized the Israeli military's actions, stating that Palestinians have tried to follow the instructions but have been killed nonetheless. "The incidents highlighted in the investigation are not isolated," said a spokesperson for Human Rights Watch. "People were fleeing to roads and places the Israeli government told them to go, only to be killed by airstrikes or ground force invasions. There is nowhere safe for civilians in Gaza."

Key Takeaways

• NBC investigation found Israeli airstrikes killed Palestinians in designated safe zones.
• Airstrikes hit areas Israel had identified as evacuation zones, killing dozens.
• Israeli military advised people to evacuate to a zone that was also struck.
• Incidents raise concerns about safety of Palestinian civilians in Gaza conflict.
• Human rights groups criticize Israel's actions, stating civilians have nowhere safe.