Escalating Conflict in Gaza war – Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amidst Israeli Offensive
News Source Reuters – The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has reached a critical juncture in Khan Younis, a city in the southern Gaza Strip, as Israeli forces make a major advance, putting pressure on the few remaining healthcare facilities. On Friday, the Palestinian Red Crescent accused Israel of firing on Al-Amal Hospital in Khan Younis, exacerbating an already dire situation for displaced people seeking medical assistance.
According to the Red Crescent, citizens at Al-Amal Hospital and the rescue agency’s base were targeted by intense gunfire from Israeli drones, resulting in injuries among the displaced population. The Israeli military stated that they were checking the report. Meanwhile, Israeli tanks approached Nasser Hospital, Gaza’s largest functioning hospital, with reports of shellfire and fierce gun battles in the vicinity.
Israel’s offensive in Khan Younis aims to capture the city, which it identifies as the primary base of Hamas fighters responsible for attacking Israeli towns on October 7, triggering a devastating war in the Gaza Strip. The Gaza health ministry reported 142 Palestinians killed and 278 injured in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 24,762 over more than three months of conflict.
The World Health Organization highlighted the severe strain on healthcare infrastructure, noting that most of Gaza’s 36 hospitals have stopped working, with only 15 partially functioning and operating at three times their capacity. The lack of fuel and medical supplies further compounds the challenges faced by these facilities. Israeli officials have accused Hamas of operating from hospitals, including Nasser, a claim vehemently denied by hospital staff.
Amid the escalating violence, over 1.7 million people, approximately 75% of Gaza’s population, are estimated to be displaced, many living in makeshift tents with inadequate protection from the elements. Mohammed al-Ghandour, who had to flee his home in Gaza City, managed to marry his bride in a tent city near the Egyptian border, symbolizing the struggles faced by many in the region.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog, speaking at the World Economic Forum in Davos, framed the offensive as a step toward future peaceful relations with the Palestinians. However, the international community remains concerned about the impact on civilians, with the United Nations Palestinian refugee agency (UNRWA) reporting widespread displacement and inadequate aid.
In the north, where Israel claims to be pulling out troops and shifting to smaller-scale operations, Israeli strikes killed 12 people near the mostly non-functioning Al Shifa Hospital in Gaza City. Another strike in the central Gaza Strip resulted in the death of five Palestinians in Al-Nusseirat refugee camp.
The United States, Israel’s ally, has struggled to influence Israeli actions, with President Joe Biden expressing concern over the war’s toll on Palestinian civilians. However, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s rejection of an independent Palestinian state, a long-standing pillar of U.S. strategy in the Middle East, has further complicated diplomatic efforts. Netanyahu insisted on Israel maintaining security control over the entire territory west of the Jordan River.
President Biden, in a call with Netanyahu, maintained support for a two-state solution, acknowledging the challenges and the need for leadership in the region. The conflict has strained relations within the Democratic party, with some members urging the Biden administration to oppose the forced displacement of Palestinians.
The conflict has not only resulted in a significant loss of life but has also led to the capture of hostages by both sides. Israeli forces launched the offensive in response to Hamas attacks, resulting in casualties and hostages. Efforts to secure their release have become a focal point in protests in Israel, with demands for action to bring back those held captive.
As the conflict continues to unfold, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens, with the international community grappling with diplomatic challenges to alleviate the suffering of civilians caught in the crossfire. The evolving situation underscores the complexity of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the urgent need for a comprehensive and sustainable resolution.
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