Escalating Violence in Gaza: A Humanitarian Crisis
The Gaza Strip continues to be a hotspot of intense conflict, with recent Israeli airstrikes resulting in significant casualties. On Saturday, Palestinian medical sources reported 24 deaths in Gaza City due to Israeli airstrikes. The Al-Tuffah neighborhood and the Shati refugee camp were among the hardest-hit areas, with 20 and 4 fatalities respectively. Doctor Mahmoud Aliwa from Al-Ahli Hospital confirmed the transfer of 24 bodies to the facility.
Humanitarian Impact and International Response
The conflict has led to a dire humanitarian situation. The Ministry of Health in Gaza, governed by Hamas, accused Israel of targeting displaced civilians in Al-Mawasi, a declared 'humanitarian zone'. This attack reportedly resulted in 25 deaths and 50 injuries. The coastal area near Rafah, home to many displaced people, was supposed to be a safe haven. The head of European diplomacy, Josep Borrell, has called for an independent investigation into the deadly shootings near the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) office.
Rescue Efforts and Ongoing Strikes
Rescue operations are severely hampered by the lack of heavy equipment and restricted access to bombed areas. In the Al Shati refugee camp, rescue teams struggle to extract victims from the rubble. The Israeli Army has reported attacks on Hamas military infrastructure, which local media suggest were attempts to assassinate senior Hamas officials. As the violence continues, the Gaza Ministry of Health has updated the death toll to 37,550 and the number of injured to 85,911, highlighting the severe human cost of the ongoing conflict.
- The fighting in Gaza has led to a massive influx of victims towards field hospitals, overwhelming the medical infrastructure. The ICRC reported receiving 22 dead and 45 wounded from 'large caliber' shots, though the origin of the shots remains unclear.
- The Israeli Army has denied responsibility for the strike in Al-Mawasi, stating that an initial investigation found no indication of an army strike. However, exchanges of fire between Palestinian fighters and Israeli forces continue to escalate the situation.
- Videos circulating on social media show injured people in Al Shati covered in dust from collapsed buildings, highlighting the chaos and panic among the residents. Ambulance crews face significant challenges in reaching bombed areas due to the magnitude of the destruction.
