Tens of thousands of Palestinians are now making a last-minute and desperate run from the eastern neighborhoods of Gaza City. Israel prepares for the biggest military offensive in decades. The Israeli military announced its focus on what it termed the “primary front” in Gaza, signaling an intensification of operations following Hamas’s attack on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people, primarily civilians, and the abduction of 250 individuals.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is deepening by the hour. According to new reports, Israeli airstrikes and shelling has killed at least 56,500 people since the beginning of the conflict. The Gaza civil defense agency reported that 23 Palestinians were killed in strikes on Sunday alone, including at least three children. On the same day a tragic incident occurred in Zaytun, east of Gaza City. News reports indicate that two children were killed when a separate strike hit their house.
The ongoing conflict has led to a massive displacement crisis, with many Palestinians leaving their homes or camps for safety in northern Gaza. As violence escalates, fears are growing about food distribution and access to other basic goods in an increasingly fractured environment.
The Israeli military has claimed that its operations are part of an effort to destroy Hamas’s military infrastructure. In a recent communication via social media, they declared, “military operations [that] will escalate, intensify, and extend westward to the city centre to destroy the capabilities of terrorist organisations.”
Yet, in spite of all the violence, indirect negotiations between Israel and Hamas are still ongoing, sponsored by Qatar and Egypt. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed optimism about the situation, stating, “Many opportunities have opened up now following this victory. First of all, to rescue the hostages. Of course, we will have to solve the Gaza issue, to defeat Hamas, but I estimate that we will achieve both goals.”
The humanitarian situation is dire. As tens of thousands are fleeing their homes in search of safety, the already fragile infrastructure across Gaza is being pushed to a breaking point. Aid organizations are rapidly approaching limits to what they can deliver while escalating violence and destruction hampers humanitarian logistics and all supply lines.
Palestinian militants are believed to be holding some 50 hostages within Gaza. There are serious concerns that over half of them might already be dead due to the severe conditions exacerbated by the ongoing war. This dismal reality has made any hope of a negotiated settlement all the more challenging.
This escalation in violence has had horrific impact on civilians trapped within the crossfire. Even as international observers plead for a ceasefire, the number of victims keeps increasing. A fact that must be noted each day.