GAZA: At least 31,045 Palestinians, mostly women and children, have been killed and more than 72,654 have been wounded since October 7 in Israel’s military offensive on the besieged Gaza Strip, the territory’s health ministry said on Sunday.
As the death toll in Israel’s military offensive on Gaza surged, global concerns mount over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in the besieged enclave.
According to Gaza’s health ministry, the relentless bombardment by Israel since October 7 has mostly killed women and children. The United Nations Palestinian refugee agency, UNRWA, is now facing a funding crisis after several donors suspended their support over allegations of staff involvement in attacks by the Palestinian resistance group Hamas.
Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza
UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini expressed grave concern, stating that the agency is “at risk of death” and facing the possibility of dismantlement. However, Canada has stepped forward to announce the resumption of funding, recognizing UNRWA’s vital role in addressing the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Efforts to secure a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas are ongoing, despite dimming hopes for a truce during the holy month of Ramadan. Mossad chief David Barnea, in collaboration with his US counterpart, CIA Director William Burns, is working to secure a deal that would involve the release of hostages. US President Joe Biden confirmed that Burns remains engaged in the region.
Earlier on Saturday, thousands of pro-Palestinian protesters have gathered in London, demanding an immediate ceasefire in Gaza. The protesters marched from Hyde Park to the US Embassy and urged for an end to the ongoing violence and bloodshed in the region.
