At least 23 Palestinians have tragically lost their lives in recent Israeli attacks across Gaza, as reported by local health officials. The Israeli military has extended evacuation orders to tens of thousands of residents in the enclave, intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
Following a two-month ceasefire, the Israeli military resumed its offensive against Hamas in Gaza last week, reigniting hostilities that have resulted in nearly 700 casualties, primarily among women and children, according to Palestinian health sources.
Gaza, home to approximately 2.3 million individuals, has faced relentless displacement over the past 18 months of conflict. Many families have been uprooted multiple times and are now confronting severe shortages of food and water, particularly after Israel halted aid deliveries earlier this month.
The impacted areas include Jabalia, Beit Lahiya, Beit Hanoun, and Shejaia in Gaza City, with evacuation orders also affecting southern regions such as Khan Younis and Rafah.
In the words of Palestinian and United Nations officials, “There are no safe areas in the Gaza Strip.” It’s a sobering reminder of the dire circumstances facing residents.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has stated that the renewed military campaign is designed to apply pressure on Hamas to release the remaining 59 hostages currently held in Gaza, with around 24 believed to still be alive. In contrast, Hamas has accused Israel of abandoning the ceasefire agreement that was established on January 19. The group claims to be cooperating with a new mediation effort involving Qatar, Egypt, and the United States aimed at restoring peace and addressing the three-phase ceasefire agreement, though sources within Hamas report no significant breakthrough as of yet.
Meanwhile, the United Nations has announced a plan to reduce its international staff in Gaza by roughly one-third due to safety concerns. A UN spokesperson highlighted that, “We are trying to reduce the number of international staff…because the Secretary-General does not have the power to guarantee their safety.” This reduction affects key agencies including the World Food Programme and the World Health Organization.
Earlier this week, UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese stated poignantly that “no one is safe in Gaza.” She noted that over 250 UN staff members have lost their lives in the region since October 2023, with nearly 70% of UN facilities destroyed. Speaking on RTÉ’s Morning Ireland, Ms. Albanese remarked, “This is a total elimination that will continue until the last breath of Palestinian life is gone in Gaza.”
In stark contrast, Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz emphasized that if Hamas continues to refuse to release the remaining hostages, Israel would expand its territorial control in Gaza and maintain military operations. Katz stated, “If Hamas continues with its intransigence, it will pay heavy prices,” aiming to dismantle militant infrastructure until complete submission is achieved. The situation remains precarious as mediators strive to navigate a path towards a renewed ceasefire.
The ongoing conflict has resulted in more than 50,000 Palestinian deaths since October 2023, according to local health ministry reports. This comes on the heels of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, which left 1,200 dead and approximately 250 hostages taken, as per Israeli figures.
As we observe this painful chapter in history, it is crucial to remember the human cost of conflict and the necessity for dialogue and resolution.
Edited By Ali Musa
Axadle Times international–Monitoring.
