The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is at catastrophic levels, with more than 65,000 Palestinians killed since October 7, 2023. That violence has now escalated, especially in and around Gaza City, as Israeli airstrikes and ground troop incursions have driven thousands from their homes. As the situation deteriorates, families of hostages held by Hamas are increasing pressure on Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for action regarding their loved ones.
Israel’s military campaign has severely impacted Gaza City’s population. Recent estimates indicate less than 450,000 residents still call the city home, while the city was once home to nearly one million residents. This dramatic loss of life underscores the immediate need for safe havens as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians remain forced to flee southward. They are running for their lives on foot, by car, and even on bicycle, with all of their belongings able to fit in a backpack.
Since September 18, Israeli tanks and jets have relentlessly bombarded Gaza City, prompting an exodus of residents seeking refuge in the south. The Israeli military claims to be conducting targeted evacuations, but it’s increasingly becoming impossible. There are almost no safe places remaining in all of Gaza. Displaced people are resorting to horrific acts just to get out of the disorder. Some are paddling on boogie boards to escape from the port of Gaza City as the bombardment persists.
The fate of the hostages still held has received a lot of sympathetic attention. As of now, 48 of them are known to be held prisoner in Gaza, with only about 20 presumed to be still alive. The Al-Qassam Brigades, Hamas’ military wing, has publicly stated that Netanyahu’s military actions have issued a “death sentence” for these hostages.
“Your prisoners are distributed within the neighborhoods of Gaza City, and we will not be concerned for their lives as long as Netanyahu has decided to kill them,” – Al-Qassam Brigades
For many years those families of the hostages were forced to keep their frustrations bottled up until they exploded last week, confronting the prime minister. Einav Zangauker, the mother of hostage Matan Zangauker, in action Along with other bereaved families, she has been camping out to demand an end to the violence outside Netanyahu’s official residence.
“Come out and tell me how you lied to my face and told me that you were going to bring an agreement and bring everyone back. Come out and tell me how you lied to me,” – Einav Zangauker
Adding to this complexity is the international spotlight. The European Union is the largest trade partner of Israel. Winning pressure on Israel, the EU to sanction the Zionist entity to stop Israel’s genocide against Palestinians. And just last week, a Commission of Inquiry from the United Nations has charged Israel with the crime of genocide against the Palestinian people.
Israel has categorically rejected the claims of genocide. The country claims to be undertaking its military actions with restraint. The Israeli military has claimed that it will spare no effort to avoid harming hostages ensnared in the conflict.
“The hostages are always in our thoughts,” – Effie Defrin
With the war expanding, humanitarian and political contexts are still changing and developing. For the millions of Palestinians, especially in Gaza, who are caught in the crossfire, violence and displacement are unprecedented. At the same time, families of hostages continue to wait for answers from their government.
