The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic proportions. Meanwhile, the entire region is still reeling from the effects of continuing violence and a dire humanitarian crisis. The United States recently vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution that sought an “immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire” in Gaza. Israeli bombardments just increased more than fivefold. Collectively, however, just on Wednesday alone, these led to the deaths of at least 48 people in the Gaza Strip.
After eight days of continuous bombardment, reports from Gaza indicate a catastrophic humanitarian situation. Today, the entire population hangs by a thread over the precipice of famine from dire shortfalls of food, medicine and other essentials. According to the Israeli army, it announced that roads leading to distribution centers are considered combat zones. Unfortunately, this declaration makes the already immensely complicated delivery of aid even more difficult. Just a few days ago, Israeli airstrikes assassinated at least 10 people, according to Gaza’s civil defense agency. One such strike was especially devastating with 14 people killed in one strike on a tent sheltering displaced civilians.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the remains of two Israeli-Americans would soon be repatriated. They were each tragically killed during the initial assault of Hamas on Israel, October 7, 2023. Their repatriation comes during a time of heightened conflict, as Hamas still holds hostages in Gaza, continuing to bombard Israel from a distance. Netanyahu said that his thoughts were with the families of those killed during the resurgence of violence.
“Together with all the citizens of Israel, my wife and I extend our heartfelt condolences to the dear families. Our hearts ache for the most terrible loss. May their memory be blessed.” – Benjamin Netanyahu
As the conflict deepens, Gaza’s civil defense agency announces a devastating rise in deaths due to Israeli bombardments. It’s a frightening picture that they paint, with ten martyrs already from bombardments since dawn. This recent escalation has opened even greater question of displaced civilians fleeing violence from all sides.
International responses to the crisis have varied. U.S. Senator Marco Rubio emphasized the importance of the recent veto, stating, “Today, the United States sent a strong message by vetoing a counterproductive UN Security Council resolution on Gaza targeting Israel.” Leaders from around the world have condemned Israel’s widespread military operations. British Labour leader Keir Starmer labelled it all “appalling” and “counterproductive.” He prayed for an immediate change of heart about the destruction cast down in Gaza.
In light of the current situation, a coalition of governments—supported by the U.S. and Israel—has made the decision to delay the reopening of its aid distribution centers in Gaza. They were originally hoping to reopen on Thursday. The delay further emphasizes the logistical challenges that all aid organizations are experiencing while trying to respond to the growing humanitarian needs on the ground.
The scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza means that immediate and far larger muscular needs to be delivered. Aid organizations have, of course, echoed the importance of increasing and speeding up this assistance, warning that the crisis will only worsen without it.
“We will keep looking at further action, along with our allies, including sanctions, but let me be absolutely clear: we need to get back to a ceasefire, we need the hostages, who have been held for a very long time, to be released, and we desperately need more aid, at speed and at volume, into Gaza, because it is an appalling and intolerable situation.”
As these conditions continue to deteriorate, civilians in Gaza are left with a growing sense of hopelessness and, now, imminent death. The UN has called the humanitarian situation there catastrophic. This underscores an immediate and crying need for international cohesion to deliver humanitarian assistance and address the conflict long-term.
To loud criticism and praise alike, Israel has recently taken steps to ease its long-standing blockade on Gaza. While this shift has expanded access to emergency aid, it has not alleviated the perpetual humanitarian emergency facing those living in the region. The picture is far from rosy. Unconfirmed reports warn that Gaza is about to enter a state of famine, with indications that they are running out of food and medical supplies.
The international community is split over how to respond to the violence that continues to rage in Gaza. Calls for an immediate ceasefire have been loud and frequent, but actions on the ground have been hard to come by due to geopolitical dynamics. The issues of fostering long-term peace and stability and delivering humanitarian assistance still plague the region.