Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza as Israeli Bombardment Continues

The Israeli Prime Minister has declined international calls for a ceasefire with Hamas while Israeli forces continue to bombard Gaza heavily. The civilian casualties, injuries, and infrastructure damage in Gaza have reached alarming levels.

As the conflict between Hamas and Israeli forces enters its third week, Israel is expanding ground operations within Gaza, accompanied by ongoing heavy airstrikes. There is a growing concern that more hospitals in Gaza could be targeted, with over 21,000 injuries reported, more than 1,000 people missing, and thousands seeking shelter in hospitals.

The people of Gaza are enduring the most intense period of Israeli bombardment, resulting in the loss of over 8,300 civilian lives. Among the casualties are more than 6,000 children injured and over 3,400 children killed in Israeli attacks. Shockingly, nearly 70% of those killed in Gaza are women and children, a tragic human toll.

An official from UNCTAD has stated that the long-term consequences of the war between Hamas and Israel are difficult to predict. It’s worth noting that Gaza has experienced 16 years of de-development, with Israel imposing a blockade since 2007, turning it into an open-air prison. This blockade has had a devastating impact on Gaza’s economy, representing a significant humanitarian issue.

For the past 16 years, many in besieged Gaza have relied on daily humanitarian aid, but the recent restrictive blockade has obstructed international aid from reaching the enclave. Only a limited number of aid convoys have been allowed into Gaza since the conflict began, making the situation even more dire.

Doctors Without Borders has called for an immediate ceasefire to halt the bloodshed in Gaza. Israeli forces have escalated their attacks, including targeting hospitals, further disrupting the social order within Gaza. International reactions have been criticised for inadequacy, and UN resolutions have been described as non-binding.

The situation in Gaza is dire, with widespread destruction of infrastructure, shortages of essential supplies, and inhumane conditions due to the ongoing bombardment. There is a call for world leaders to prioritise the well-being of civilians and take decisive action to stop Israeli raids against Gaza’s civilian population and infrastructure.