The Israel-Hamas war has taken a devastating turn. According to the health ministry, the number of deaths in Gaza has now surpassed 50,000. This has been further complicated by Israel’s increasing restrictions on foreign journalists. These barriers prevent independent verification of the human toll and the situation on the ground. Both the United Nations and the United States State Department have corroborated these health ministry figures. They point out that the majority of those who have died are women and children.
In just the last 24 hours, an additional 41 deaths were reported bringing the total to a staggering 50,021. The Israeli government has for years maintained that these numbers are exaggerated. They continue to argue that Hamas deliberately hides among civilians, thereby making them “human shields.”
Israel’s Defense Minister, Israel Katz, has sent a support Hamas warning shot. He also announced that Israel will permanently occupy areas of Gaza. This should go on until Hamas releases all hostages in their custody. This announcement comes at a time when negotiations to extend a fragile ceasefire first established on January 19 have completely stalled. These talks have been largely unsuccessful. Hamas is still following the initial terms that they settled on with Israel, calling for an end to all forces leaving Gaza and a guarantee to never re-enter and resume fighting.
Meanwhile, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza deepens by the day. Almost the entire population of Gaza, over 2 million, are now displaced from their homes. The situation is apocalyptic, with a catastrophic famine in the offing after Israel halted humanitarian aid from entering Gaza at the start of this month. The current military operations have made aid distribution even more impossible, with many lacking access to food and water.
The United Nations has repeatedly raised alarms over the worsening humanitarian situation in Gaza. According to independent academic studies showing excess mortality from COVID, the death toll is likely much higher. Hamas has described Israel’s new military moves as a “new and dangerous violation” of the ceasefire deal in place.
As of October 7, 2023, in response to Hamas’ attacks, Israel has intensified military operations against Hamas. This move came as a direct response to Hamas’ surprise attack on southern Israel. The attack resulted in the death of 1,200 civilians almost of immediate death, including the vast majority civilians. Further, Hamas captured 251 people as hostages, per Israeli officials.
Even as the world demands de-escalation of hostilities and immediate humanitarian access, the clock is still ticking. Even as the war enters its third month, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has indicated that the conflict is just beginning.
"I want to assure you: This is just the beginning." – Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu
