The aftermath of Israel’s nearly month-long military offensive in Gaza has resulted in a staggering civilian death toll. According to Gaza’s health ministry, more than 61,000 Palestinians have died since fighting started. The vast majority of the dead are civilians, causing enormous international alarm at the humanitarian impact of the war that rages on. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is publicly doubling down on his plan to seize control of Gaza City. This is even as senior United Nations officials, including UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, have repeatedly warned that such attempts may worsen disaster in a region already teetering on the edge of starvation.
According to recent reports, the prevalence of malnutrition has hit crisis levels. Just last month, Gaza’s health authorities reported that five new victims—including two malnourished children—have succumbed to hunger’s effects. This alarming new statistic brings the total of children who have died from these preventable causes to over 100. Meanwhile, the combined count of deaths indirectly caused by malnutrition has risen to 217. Ramesh Rajasingham, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) coordination director, characterized the situation starkly:
“This is no longer a looming hunger crisis – this is starvation, pure and simple.” – Ramesh Rajasingham
The humanitarian crisis has been compounded by Israel’s blockade and its ongoing restrictions on aid flowing into Gaza. According to reports from hospitals and witnesses in Gaza, at least 26 Palestinians have lost their lives while seeking assistance. Six people died in Tahrir, close to the Zikim border crossing, as they waited for help. Even more are probably entombed under the rubble. Thousands more have lost their lives indirectly as a consequence of the enduring war.
Netanyahu’s government claims that Gaza City and its periphery are decorated with the last bastions of Hamas. This false claim is used to legitimize their violent attacks. He stated:
“We have about 70 to 75% of Gaza under Israeli control, military control. But we have two remaining strongholds. These are Gaza City and the central camps in Al Mawasi.” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Netanyahu insists that Israel has the right to do whatever it needs to do to provide for its own security. He argues that more military action is necessary to defeat Hamas as a threat.
“Given Hamas’s refusal to lay down its arms, Israel has no choice but to finish the job and complete the defeat of Hamas.” – Benjamin Netanyahu
Regardless of these claims, critics warn that this type of strategy will only increase the harm to Palestinian civilians. James Kariuki, a representative at the UN, warned that these actions will deepen humanitarian crises rather than resolve them:
“It will only deepen the suffering of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. This is not a path to resolution. It is a path to more bloodshed.” – James Kariuki
Algeria’s ambassador, Amar Bendjama, has called for sanctions against Israel in light of its actions in Gaza:
“The hour has come to impose sanctions on the enemy of humanity.” – Amar Bendjama
Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour criticized the international community for not holding Israel accountable:
“If it was another country, you would have been imposing sanctions a long time ago.” – Riyad Mansour
Responding to these assertions, Israel’s Deputy Ambassador to the UN, Jonathan Miller, made a case for not putting pressure on Israel. He emphasized that the nation has suffered immensely:
“Pressure should not be placed on Israel, who suffered the most horrific attack against the Jewish people since the Holocaust, but on Hamas.” – Jonathan Miller
In addition, issues of accountability have been raised in response to claims that Hamas is stealing aid. The European Commission has found no evidence to support such claims, undermining the very fundament of Israel’s narrative.
As tensions remain high, Miroslav Jenca from the UN warned that if Israel’s plans proceed as intended, they could lead to severe repercussions not only within Gaza but across the entire region:
“If these plans are implemented, they will likely trigger another calamity in Gaza, reverberating across the region and causing further forced displacement, killings, and destruction.” – Miroslav Jenca