GAZA CITY: The health ministry in the Gaza Strip has reported a grim situation, stating that the death toll from Israeli bombardments since October 7 has now surpassed 19,453 Palestinian people, mostly women and children. The besieged Palestinian territory continues to grapple with the devastating impact of the relentless and brutal bombing campaign, which has entered its third month.
In addition to the staggering death toll, the health ministry notes that 52,286 people in Gaza have been wounded during the prolonged Israeli bombardments, mainly affecting women and children.
Israel’s heavy and brutal bombing has faced widespread accusations of deliberately causing starvation among innocent Palestinian people. The UN Security Council in New York is set to vote on a ceasefire resolution for Gaza, despite previous attempts being vetoed by Israel’s key ally, the United States. Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin is expected to return to Israel as part of a Middle East tour aimed at ending the escalating violence.
Dire Humanitarian Situation in Gaza
Gaza’s health ministry underscores the dire humanitarian situation, reporting mass displacement, food and water shortages, and plummeting winter temperatures in the territory. Human Rights Watch, a New York-based campaign group, accuses Israel of employing starvation as a method of warfare, labeling it a war crime.
Human Rights Watch alleges that Israeli forces deliberately obstruct the delivery of essential supplies, impede humanitarian assistance, and destroy agricultural areas crucial to Palestinian civilian survival.
Philippe Lazzarini, the head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees, expresses grave concern about the possibility of people succumbing to hunger, diseases, or weakened immunity due to the dire conditions in Gaza.
Families of the remaining hostages held in Gaza demand action, especially following the deliberate shooting of three escapees by Israeli forces, who had waved white flags and left a message in Hebrew.
International pressure mounts on Israel to halt hostilities, with calls for a ceasefire and diplomatic efforts to address the worsening humanitarian crisis. Hospitals, many of which are no longer functional, face destruction amid the ongoing conflict.
The UN Security Council is set to vote on a resolution calling for an urgent and sustainable cessation of hostilities amid escalating fears that the violence could intensify further.
