Hamas continues to maintain control over the Gaza Strip, despite significant weakening of its military wing in recent months. The ongoing conflict has left hospitals in Gaza struggling to cope, as reports indicate a high number of women and children among the casualties. Meanwhile, Israel's decision to cut off electricity supply has further exacerbated the humanitarian situation, reducing clean water availability and limiting operations at the last remaining desalination plant.
The conflict has escalated as Israel blocked all humanitarian and commercial supplies to Gaza following the end of the ceasefire agreement with Hamas in January. Aid officials warn that Gaza may face an acute humanitarian crisis, as resources dwindle and the World Food Programme shuts down a quarter of its bakeries due to a lack of gas. The situation remains dire, with many residents displaced and seeking refuge.
“Since early morning, the streets became crowded with displaced people, pale faces, eyes filled with fear and exhaustion, not knowing where they would go or if they would find a safe shelter this time,” said Tasnim.
The return of twenty-five living hostages and the remains of eight others by Hamas marked the first phase of the ceasefire. However, fifty-four hostages remain in Gaza, more than half of whom are feared dead. Israel has accused Hamas of refusing to release more hostages or agree to extend the ceasefire for several weeks.
Despite accusations, Hamas denies any exploitation or theft of aid in Gaza. However, the humanitarian situation remains critical as medical staff struggle to treat casualties, many of whom are transported on donkey carts due to fuel shortages.
“The casualties are being brought in on donkey carts because there is no fuel for cars. Hospitals are reeling,” reported a senior humanitarian official.
Electricity shortages have compounded the crisis by reducing access to clean water. Former head of Israel's military intelligence service, Amos Yadlin, remarked on the implications of supply restrictions.
“One lesson of the war so far is … don’t give your enemy supplies,” stated Amos Yadlin.
The conflict's toll is evident as the death count rises by over 400 within a short period. Many residents, such as Ghaitam, express feelings of desperation and grief as they flee to safer areas with limited resources.
“We saw the orders [from the Israeli army] and we started gathering some clothes. We do not have enough food or gas. Now, we are heading to my sister’s house in a safer area. Our feelings right now are indescribable – anger, exhaustion, anxiety, fear, terror, and grief. It feels like the weight of the world is on us,” shared Ghaitam.
As humanitarian officials note the re-emergence of familiar faces in administrative roles within Gaza, concerns grow over the potential for further instability and suffering.
“They are pretty much back in charge, mainly because there’s no one else to really challenge them. People who we were dealing with before the war are popping up again in their old jobs,” said one humanitarian official.
The blockade on supplies and ongoing violence threaten to plunge Gaza further into turmoil. With limited options for relief and growing uncertainty about the future, residents live in constant fear and uncertainty.
“Will we leave? I felt that every family in Gaza was having this discussion at that moment,” reflected Tasnim.