In anticipation of a potential Israeli invasion aimed at eliminating Hamas leadership after the recent deadly incursion, over a million people have fled their homes in the Gaza Strip. Aid groups have sounded alarm bells, cautioning that an Israeli ground offensive could exacerbate an already dire humanitarian crisis.
Israeli forces, with the support of U.S. warships, have positioned themselves along Gaza’s border, signaling preparations for what Israel describes as a broad campaign to dismantle the militant group. A week of intense airstrikes has wreaked havoc on neighborhoods but has failed to quell the barrage of militant rocket fire into Israel.
The ongoing conflict, which began on October 7, has emerged as the deadliest in a series of five Gaza wars for both sides, with over 4,000 casualties. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, the toll stands at 2,750 Palestinians killed and 9,700 wounded, while over 1,400 Israelis have lost their lives. Additionally, at least 199 others, including children, were captured by Hamas and taken into Gaza, according to Israel.
The current situation in Gaza is dire:
1. A shortage of potable water continues to plague Gaza, raising concerns of disease outbreaks from consuming untreated water.
2. The largest hospital in the territory is overwhelmed, as dwindling supplies of water, fuel, and medicine pose a significant challenge to patient care.
3. Trucks carrying humanitarian aid have been stranded at the Rafah crossing between Egypt and Gaza, awaiting Israel’s approval for entry.
4. U.S. President Joe Biden is reportedly considering a trip to Israel in the near future, though no official confirmation has been made.
Additionally, Russian President Vladimir Putin has reiterated his call for peace in phone conversations with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and several other regional leaders. The European Commission has pledged to triple humanitarian aid to Gaza and has organized two flights to the region via Egypt. Meanwhile, forensic teams are struggling to identify the remains of those killed in Hamas attacks, with a significant number of civilian bodies remaining unidentified.
