GAZA CITY: Gaza’s 2.3 million civilians are trapped in a dire humanitarian crisis as they struggle for food, water, and safety amidst relentless Israeli military airstrikes. The region is on the brink of a catastrophic situation, with fears mounting of an impending Israeli ground invasion. While Israel has urged the evacuation of nearly half of Gaza’s population, many remain, fearing the consequences of leaving their homes.
Israeli forces, bolstered by the presence of US warships in the region, have positioned themselves along Gaza’s border, preparing for what Israel claims will be a widespread military campaign. A week of intense airstrikes has already resulted in the destruction of entire neighborhoods, pushing the death toll to 2,329 Palestinian civilians, marking the deadliest period in the five Gaza wars.
Israel has issued evacuation orders for over a million Palestinians ahead of a major military operation in the north. Despite this, many Palestinian civilians chosen to stay, defying warnings from Israel. Hamas has urged people to remain in their homes and ignore Israeli military’s warnings.
The rapid exodus, coupled with Israel’s complete siege of the 40-kilometer-long coastal territory, raises concerns of immense human suffering. The World Health Organization has warned that the evacuation could be a death sentence for more than 2,000 patients in Gaza hospitals, including newborns and people in intensive care. Gaza’s hospitals are on the verge of running out of medicines and fuel for emergency generators, endangering the lives of thousands of patients.
Gaza Grappling with Humanitarian Crisis
Gaza was already grappling with a humanitarian crisis due to shortages of water and medical supplies caused by the Israeli blockade, which has forced electrical plants to shut down. With bakeries closing, residents are struggling to find basic necessities like bread for their children. Contaminated water has become a grim reality for many, with some resorting to drinking saltwater due to the scarcity of clean water sources.
Amidst the Israeli military’s unrelenting airstrikes, Gaza City’s main hospital, Al-Shifa, is overwhelmed, receiving thousands of wounded every hour. Medical supplies are running critically low, and the hospital’s director, Mohammad Abu Selim, described the situation as “miserable in every sense of the word.”
The United Nations refugee agency for Palestinians has expressed deep concern for those unable to leave, especially vulnerable groups such as pregnant women, children, the elderly, and persons with disabilities. They have also called on Israel to avoid targeting civilians, hospitals, schools, clinics, and UN locations.
