The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has entered its sixth week, with Israeli air strikes continuing to devastate the Gaza Strip. As fears of a humanitarian disaster grow, Israel has reported dropping 6,000 bombs weighing 4,000 tonnes on Gaza in the past six days, resulting in a death toll of over 1,400 people. Among the victims are 447 children, 248 women, and 10 healthcare workers. Entire neighborhoods have been destroyed, forcing 338,000 Palestinians to flee their homes and seek shelter elsewhere.
Meanwhile, in the occupied West Bank, 31 people have been killed, and over 600 have been injured. The situation in Gaza is worsening as Israel imposes a complete siege, cutting off access to essential supplies such as food, water, medicine, and fuel, while preparing for a possible ground assault.
The United Nations has reported that Israeli bombardment has destroyed over 1,000 homes, severely damaging another 560 housing units and rendering them uninhabitable. More than 12,600 homes have suffered damage due to air strikes. Water supplies have also been affected, leading to dire shortages for over 650,000 people. Additionally, sewage systems have been destroyed, posing a significant health risk.
The health system in Gaza, already strained due to a 16-year blockade, is on the verge of collapse, according to human rights groups. The enclave’s only power plant had to shut down after running out of fuel, further exacerbating the crisis. Hospitals are running out of beds and medical supplies, putting severely wounded civilians, including infants, at risk. The International Committee of the Red Cross warns that hospitals “risk turning into morgues” as they struggle to provide care without electricity. All 13 hospitals in Gaza are only partially operational due to severe shortages of fuel and medical supplies.
Israel has rejected any humanitarian exceptions to its siege until all hostages held by Hamas are released. This has further intensified concerns for the well-being of the civilian population in Gaza.
Egypt has been attempting to facilitate aid flights to Gaza, directing them to an airport in northern Sinai. However, Israeli bombardments along the border have hindered the delivery of relief. The Rafah border crossing between Sinai and Gaza remains open, but efforts are being made to ensure the crossing and its Palestinian side are not targeted.
In the midst of the crisis, United States Secretary of State Antony Blinken arrived in Israel to show support for the country and discourage regional forces from joining the fight with Hamas. The US has reported that the death toll for American citizens killed in Hamas attacks has risen to 25. Secretary Blinken expressed gratitude to the US for standing with Israel.
Tensions in the occupied West Bank have also escalated, with Israeli settlers killing several Palestinians in recent attacks. On Thursday, a Palestinian father and son were shot dead during a funeral procession, while two Palestinians were injured in a shooting near a police station in occupied East Jerusalem.
As the conflict intensifies, concerns about civilian casualties and adherence to international law have grown. Human rights groups worry that Israel’s assault on Gaza may continue with little regard for civilian lives.