While Israel’s brutal military offensive in Gaza escalates, so do calls for a ceasefire. Since that time, the region has suffered a heartbreaking toll, with close to 53,000 Palestinians killed. Yet this relentless bombardment has gone on for 19 months, creating a devastating humanitarian catastrophe and receiving the condemnation of the entire international community.
In just these latest three attacks, recent Israeli violence has killed over 74 people – most of them women and children. This surge in violence follows sudden evacuation orders issued by the Israeli military, forcing thousands to flee Gaza City in search of safety. With shelters leveled and no safe places left, Palestinians are left with no shelter at all.
In the past few days of the ongoing bloodshed, overnight bombardments have hit civilian neighborhoods in Khan Younis, a city in Rafa south Gaza enclave. Tragically, 57 perished. The present offensive has been especially fierce, with the fate of all Palestinian land under serious doubt. In short, many dreamers are terrified that their home will be deserted with nothing of value to cling to.
Continued Assault on Civilians
The Israeli army’s actions have come under heavy criticism for disproportionately targeting civilian populations. According to media reports, many of those killed are women and children, who have been hit in the crossfire.
Hasan Moqbel, a local resident, expressed his despair over the situation:
“They have been bombing Gaza for 19 months. What’s left in Gaza? Innocent children are dying. There is no armed activity here. Most of them are elderly people who are dying.”
This feeling rings true all across the region as families fight to keep their homes and families safe from The Storm. Hani Mahmoud, another resident, observed how the desperation has driven families into the streets:
“We’re seeing families carrying their belongings and taking to the streets.”
As of September 2023, the humanitarian crisis is the most acute on record. As each day goes by, the violence escalates, as survivors are left to process overwhelming loss and grief.
Threats of Further Escalation
Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich has called for a more severe military campaign on Palestinian cities and villages. He has likened this approach to the level of destruction currently seen in Gaza. He stated:
“Just as we are flattening Rafah, Khan Younis and Gaza, we have to flatten the terror hubs.”
These types of comments portend a dangerous increase in violence not just in Gaza, but within the occupied West Bank as well. In fact, the Israeli government is preparing the ground for a wider military campaign. This would increase the risk to Palestinian lives and infrastructure, as well.
The ensuing effect on journalism has been catastrophic. As of October 7, 2023 more than 170 journalists and media workers have been killed in Gaza—turning it into among the deadliest places for the press on earth. Palestinian artist Hassan Aslih was one of those killed in an Israeli drone strike on the emergency room of Nasser Hospital.
A Dire Humanitarian Situation
One year later With the war still ongoing, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is unprecedented. The continuing blockade and daily bombardment prevent most civilians from obtaining food, water, medicine or medical care. They have difficulty accessing food, reliable water sources, and medical care. As a result, the loss of homes and infrastructure has only deepened the crisis, with millions of families now displaced, at risk, and vulnerable.
The international community has united in calling for immediate, meaningful steps to address the dire humanitarian needs in Gaza. With the escalation of violence and deepening hostilities, it remains uncertain how or when relief efforts will be implemented.
