Around 3,000 people, primarily children, have lost their lives in Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip since October 7, according to the Palestinian health ministry’s report on Monday, as the humanitarian crisis in the enclave worsens.
Over 12,500 others have been injured since Israel initiated its bombardment of Gaza in response to Hamas attacks in Israel, which claimed more than 1,400 lives. The ministry also reported 61 Palestinians killed and 1,250 wounded in the occupied West Bank during the same period.
Israel has expressed its determination to eliminate the Hamas group after its fighters caused the deadliest single day in Israel’s 75-year history, killing 1,300 people. Israel is now preparing for an escalation in a ground offensive in response to the Hamas blitz.
Key developments:
- WHO is convening “decision-makers” to facilitate access to Gaza as soon as possible.
- Over 3,000 Palestinians have been killed, and 12,500 have been wounded since October 7.
- Israel claims that Hamas fighters have taken 199 hostages.
- President Biden is scheduled to visit Israel, while a Chinese envoy is heading to the Middle East.
Israel has increased its blockade on Gaza, which includes restricting the entry of food, water, and fuel. The region has been subjected to airstrikes that have led to the deaths of thousands of Palestinians, the displacement of hundreds of thousands, and severe shortages of essential supplies, including food and medical resources.
According to the United Nations’ World Food Programme, the food situation in the besieged Gaza Strip is extremely dire. Stocks in shops are running out, with only a few days’ worth of food remaining. Out of five flour mills in Gaza, only one is operational due to security concerns and fuel shortages, leading to a shortage of bread. Furthermore, only five out of 23 bakeries contracted by WFP are still in operation.
An Israeli army spokesperson stated that the military is preparing for the next phase of its campaign against the Gaza Strip, but the exact plans may differ from the widespread expectation of an imminent ground offensive. Lt Colonel Richard Hecht mentioned that they have not disclosed the nature of the next stages of the war.
(Islamabad51_Newsdesk)
