20,000 Palestinians Killed in Gaza Conflict, UN Warns of Famine Crisis
The death toll in Gaza has risen to over 20,000 as Israel continues its ground offensive against Hamas, according to the Hamas-controlled Gaza Health Ministry. The conflict, which has displaced 85% of Gaza’s population and caused widespread destruction, has also resulted in over half a million people starving, says a report from the United Nations and other agencies. The UN Security Council vote on aid deliveries and a cease-fire has been delayed again, with the United States opposing an immediate cease-fire and sole UN responsibility for inspecting aid deliveries. Israel, citing security reasons, insists on screening goods entering Gaza. The UN humanitarian affairs chief, Martin Griffiths, criticized the world’s inaction, saying it is a stain on our collective conscience.
Israel, with the support of the United States, has resisted international pressure to scale back its offensive and aims to destroy Hamas. More ground forces have been sent to target Hamas militants in southern Gaza, particularly in the city of Khan Younis. Tens of thousands of residents in Burej and surrounding areas have been ordered to leave their homes. Meanwhile, airstrikes and ground battles continue in Gaza City’s Shijaiyah neighborhood, with many areas becoming inaccessible due to massive destruction. In Rafah, an Israeli airstrike on a house killed six people, including an infant.
The Gaza Health Ministry has documented 20,057 deaths, with no distinction made between combatants and civilians. Two-thirds of the dead are women or minors. Israel attributes the high civilian death toll to Hamas using residential areas for military purposes. Israel declared war after Hamas militants crossed its border, killing 1,200 people and kidnapping 240 others. Israel claims to have killed thousands of Hamas militants, including about 2,000 in the past three weeks.
Communication services in Gaza, which have experienced repeated cuts, are gradually being restored. However, the limited aid reaching Gaza has raised famine concerns. The UN reports that only 10% of the required aid has entered Gaza in the last 70 days. Israeli President Isaac Herzog blames the UN for the lack of humanitarian aid, stating that three times as much could enter if the UN fulfilled its responsibilities. Gaza’s health sector is on the verge of collapse, with only nine out of 36 facilities partially functioning. The World Health Organization reports a surge in infectious diseases, including diarrhea, respiratory infections, meningitis, skin rashes, and chickenpox. The health system is overwhelmed, leaving those facing hunger and disease with few options. Israeli forces have raided health facilities, detaining and expelling medical personnel. The Palestinian Red Crescent’s ambulance center was also stormed, resulting in the detention of paramedics.,
The Israel-Hamas war in Gaza has resulted in a devastating loss of life, with Palestinian officials reporting a death toll surpassing 20,000. This ongoing conflict has caused widespread destruction and suffering in the region. The conflict, which started due to longstanding tensions and territorial disputes, has led to a disproportionate number of civilian casualties. The international community continues to call for an immediate ceasefire and a peaceful resolution to the conflict. The high number of casualties emphasizes the urgent need for a lasting solution that ensures the safety and well-being of all those affected by the conflict.
