The area in Gaza designated by Israel's military as a safe zone has been struck by 97 attacks since May, according to an analysis by BBC Verify.
Negotiations for a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas seem to be nearing completion, with mediators in Qatar reporting that talks are close to a resolution, raising hopes for a potential agreement soon.
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) expanded the zone on 6 May 2024 to include the cities of Khan Younis and Deir al-Balah.
The densely populated area along the Mediterranean Sea, estimated to be home to over a million people according to international humanitarian organizations, has seen more than 550 fatalities in the 97 documented strikes.
The IDF stated to BBC Verify that it targeted Hamas fighters in the designated humanitarian zone, accusing the group of using civilians as human shields and launching rockets from the area in violation of international law.
The conflict between Israel and Hamas, triggered by an attack by Hamas on 7 October 2023 resulting in numerous casualties, has caused extensive damage to Gaza's infrastructure, with over 46,600 deaths reported by the Hamas-run health ministry.
Recent analysis by BBC Verify suggests a rise in attacks within the humanitarian zone since May 2024, with at least 22 strikes this month alone.
Local reports reveal ongoing attacks in the zone, with frequent airstrikes affecting residents daily, leading to injuries and casualties.
Residents within the zone, like Khaled Abdel Rahman, expressed feelings of insecurity despite being relocated there for safety, highlighting the constant fear and lack of genuine security they experience.
BBC Verify monitored social media and official IDF channels to track attacks within the humanitarian zone, cross-referencing reports with verified imagery to determine casualties.
The IDF justified the strikes as efforts to target terrorists and their facilities, including rocket launchers, weapons warehouses, and hideouts within the area.
Residents face continual uncertainty due to frequent changes in the zone's boundaries and evacuation notices, with the area shifting in size from 7 sq km to 72 sq km.
The IDF maintains that evacuation notices do not shrink the humanitarian zone and that residents return once it's safe, though uncertainties persist about when it's safe to do so.
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees, Unrwa, reiterated that no place in Gaza is truly safe, emphasizing the pervasive danger faced by all residents in the region.