The civil defense agency in Gaza has reported that Israeli airstrikes have led to the tragic loss of at least 15 lives across the Palestinian territory as Israel intensifies its military operations. This escalation comes on the heels of a two-month ceasefire that was abruptly lifted on March 18.
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Mahmud Bassal, a spokesman for the civil defense agency, shared that among the casualties were a couple and their two young children, all of whom perished in a pre-dawn strike on their home located in the Amal quarter of Khan Yunis. Additionally, a drone strike on a gathering of individuals awaiting aid to the west of the city resulted in the death of at least five more civilians.
At Nasser Hospital in Khan Yunis, mourners congregated around white-covered bodies, expressing their grief and confusion. One individual poignantly asked, “What did this child do to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu?”
The Israeli military, in response to inquiries, stated that it could not comment on specific strikes without knowing their “precise geographical coordinates.” In a broader statement, the military highlighted that its air force had struck over 100 targets within the territory, targeting members of “terrorist organizations,” military structures, and other related infrastructures.
As a result of the ongoing conflict, Gaza’s health ministry reported on Saturday that at least 3,747 individuals have been killed since the combat resumed, bringing the overall toll of the war to an alarming 53,901, predominantly civilians. The October 2023 assault by Hamas on Israel, which initiated this ongoing conflict, led to the deaths of 1,218 individuals, also primarily civilians. Additionally, militants have taken 251 hostages, with 57 still in Gaza, including 34 that the Israeli military reports are deceased.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the dire conditions, stating that Palestinians are currently enduring “the cruellest phase” of the war. The extended Israeli blockade has exacerbated shortages of essential supplies, including food and medicine.
In a slight reprieve, limited aid deliveries to Gaza resumed on Monday for the first time since March 2, amid escalating criticism of the blockade. However, the World Food Programme reported that 15 of its trucks were looted late Thursday, urging, “We need to expedite food assistance into Gaza.” They noted, “Hunger, desperation, and anxiety over whether more food aid is coming are contributing to rising insecurity.”
Additionally, the Gaza City municipality cautioned on Saturday about a looming large-scale water crisis, attributing it to a lack of necessary supplies for urgent repairs. The ongoing damage from the conflict has severely impacted most of Gaza’s water infrastructure, leaving vast segments of the population susceptible to critical water shortages. With rising temperatures, the demand for water and sanitation services is expected to escalate further.
Dr. Michael Ryan, Director of WHO Emergencies, reported that 2.1 million people in Gaza are “in imminent danger of death.” He emphasized the urgent need to “end starvation, release all hostages, and resupply the health system,” remarking, “All hostages should be released. Their families are suffering. Their families are in pain.”
Gazans face severe shortages of food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and shelter. In the past week, four major hospitals have had to suspend services due to their proximity to conflict zones, leaving only 19 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals operational, with their staff enduring “impossible conditions.” Alarmingly, at least 94% of hospitals in the Gaza Strip are reported to be damaged or destroyed, particularly affecting health care in northern Gaza. Currently, only 2,000 hospital beds remain available—a number that is woefully inadequate to meet the community’s pressing needs. The statement from the UN health agency encapsulated the situation, stating, “The destruction is systematic… This destructive cycle must end.”
Read more: Slow steps taken by Government amid calls for action over Gaza
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times International – Monitoring.
