Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The United Nations has raised concerns about expanding areas under Israeli control in Gaza, stating these changes increase risks for civilians and restrict aid access. According to the Humanitarian Country Team in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the expansion of Israeli-controlled zones and movement restrictions are reducing safe spaces for displaced Palestinians and hindering humanitarian operations.
Between 10 October 2025 and early April, the UN verified that 196 Palestinians were killed in Israeli attacks near areas with Israeli forces. Among those killed were 18 women and 43 children. Many fatalities reportedly occurred as Palestinians moved through inadequately marked areas; others suffered injuries.
Humanitarian partners have experienced delays and interruptions to life-saving assistance, with some suspending critical activities following the killing of service providers working in those regions. The UN stated that access restrictions now cover about 65 percent of Gaza's land, with most areas off-limits to residents and requiring coordinated humanitarian access. Access by sea remains prohibited.
The UN and humanitarian organizations reiterated their call for an immediate stop to targeting Palestinians deemed too close to Israeli forces, emphasizing that civilians must be protected under international humanitarian and human rights law. Reports noted families fled from areas such as Beit Lahia after Israeli forces advanced, including incidents of tents set on fire by incendiary munitions and expanded control zones marked with yellow cement blocks.
In addition to security issues, humanitarian agencies reported worsening health conditions, including skin diseases and acute watery diarrhoea, driven by overcrowding and inadequate water and sanitation. The aid response remains constrained by severe movement restrictions and funding shortages.