Civil Unrest Grows in Gaza Amid Humanitarian Crisis
The situation in Gaza has taken a dire turn as civil order deteriorates following weeks of siege and bombardment. United Nations agencies have reported increasing incidents of people breaking into warehouses to secure essential survival supplies, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis in the region.
The United Nations World Food Programme revealed that some of its aid supplies were looted in Gaza. In a news release issued on Sunday, the agency expressed concern about the "growing hunger and desperation" among Gaza's population.
Similarly, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East reported that "thousands" of people had broken into its warehouses and distribution centers in central and southern Gaza. They were seen taking vital items such as wheat flour and hygiene supplies.
In response to this escalating crisis, the United Arab Emirates, the sole Arab country with a seat on the UN Security Council, is set to convene an emergency meeting on Monday. Sources suggest that they will seek a binding resolution from other Security Council members for an "immediate humanitarian pause" in the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
The United States had previously vetoed a draft resolution at the UN Security Council earlier this month that called for a humanitarian pause, leading to criticism from various quarters.
Additionally, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society reported extensive damage to hospital departments and alleged that Israeli airstrikes had intentionally targeted Al-Quds Hospital, the second-largest hospital in Gaza City. The hospital staff, patients, and displaced individuals were allegedly forced to evacuate, which raised serious concerns about endangering patients' lives, according to the World Health Organization.
In a significant development, Israeli troops were spotted raising an Israeli flag on the roof of a Gaza resort hotel, providing a glimpse into their activities during the ongoing ground operations. This move took place approximately 2 miles from the Gaza-Israel border, where the conflict's focal point is.
The ongoing communications blackout in Gaza has hindered the flow of information, but providers have reported gradual restoration of service, allowing for better information dissemination.
Amid the escalating situation, regional tensions are on the rise. Iran's President Ebrahim Raisi warned that Israel had "crossed red lines," potentially prompting international action. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan expressed concern about an "elevated risk" of a spillover conflict in the Middle East.
Aid has started to arrive in Gaza, with the Palestinian Red Crescent receiving 10 aid trucks via the Rafah border crossing, carrying essential food supplies and medical necessities. However, fuel has not been allowed to enter Gaza, further complicating the humanitarian situation.
The death toll in Gaza has risen significantly, reaching 7,960, with more than 20,000 reported injuries. Vulnerable populations, including children, women, and the elderly, account for 73% of those killed. The toll also includes 116 medical personnel, emphasizing the severity of the crisis.
Connectivity in Gaza, particularly phone and internet services, was disrupted last week, leaving civilians, aid groups, and journalists isolated. While service has been gradually restored, it remains crucial for aid workers, civilians, and journalists to have the means to communicate and document the ongoing events in Gaza for the world to see.
Gaza Death Toll Climbs to Almost 8,000, Palestinian Health Ministry Reports
The death toll resulting from Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, spanning from October 7th, has now reached a staggering 7,950, according to a statement from the Palestinian Ministry of Health in Ramallah. This figure has been collated from sources within the Hamas-controlled enclave.
Furthermore, over 20,000 individuals have been injured in these attacks, placing immense strain on the region's already overwhelmed healthcare system. The stark reality is that the conflict has resulted in the injury or death of many innocent civilians.
The impact on medical facilities is equally severe, with the death toll encompassing 116 medical personnel. These crucial healthcare institutions have not been spared from the destructive consequences of military strikes.
In an earlier update, the Palestinian Ministry of Health reported that 24 hospitals in northern Gaza, with a combined capacity of 2,000 beds, had been instructed to evacuate. This further highlights the catastrophic strain on Gaza's healthcare infrastructure as the conflict persists.
Israeli Forces Eliminate Dozens of Hamas Militants in Overnight Gaza Ground Operations
Israeli forces have reported that dozens of Hamas militants were killed during a night of intense ground operations in Gaza. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) disclosed this development on Monday, underscoring the continued escalation of the conflict.
According to the IDF, many Hamas operatives who had sought refuge within buildings and tunnels were targeted and neutralized in the overnight operations. In one incident, an Israeli aircraft, guided by IDF ground troops, struck a staging post inside a building housing over 20 militants affiliated with Hamas, as stated in an IDF press release.
The IDF's operations also included an airstrike on the vicinity of Al-Azhar University, where they identified what they deemed to be armed terrorists and an anti-tank missile launching site.
Over the past several days, the IDF has claimed to have struck more than 600 "terror targets," which includes weapons depots, numerous anti-tank missile launching positions, and various hideouts and staging areas used by Hamas.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, addressing the nation, expressed readiness for what he termed a "long and difficult" war. The objective remains the eradication of Hamas, a mission undertaken after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, which resulted in the loss of more than 1,400 lives, predominantly civilians.
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