Title: Gaza Struggles for Survival as Israel-Hamas Conflict Intensifies
Israel’s military has seized control of Hamas’ former headquarters in Gaza City in a move that further escalates the ongoing conflict between the two sides. However, the situation for civilians in Gaza continues to deteriorate rapidly, according to reports from United Nations relief agencies.
Nearly 90% of Gaza’s population, comprising nearly 2 million people, have been forced to flee their homes due to the worsening violence. The UN World Food Program (WFP) warns that the majority of these displaced Palestinians are going without food for days, with approximately half of them now facing starvation.
The flow of humanitarian aid into Gaza is severely restricted due to the ongoing war, putting the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) on the brink of collapse. Consequently, UNRWA is advocating for a significant increase in the delivery of aid to the beleaguered region, alongside the urgent implementation of a new cease-fire.
Shockingly, the United States, a staunch Israeli ally, vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution calling for an immediate cease-fire to halt the hostilities. This move has further fueled the urgent need for international assistance.
In a show of solidarity, the Head of UNRWA, Philippe Lazzarini, paid a visit to Gaza, highlighting the severe discrepancy between the aid requirements and the limited amount being allowed into the enclave. Lazzarini warns that if UNRWA is forced to cease operations, the humanitarian aid that the population in Gaza desperately depends on will crumble.
U.N. ambassadors recently visited the Egyptian side of the Rafah crossing to emphasize the importance of sustained access and multiple routes for delivering aid to Gaza. The dire situation prompted the urgent call for action to ensure that essential supplies can reach those in need.
While Israeli airstrikes continued to strike Gaza, including the destruction of a family home in Khan Younis and overwhelming a local hospital, there are also mounting concerns within Israel. Despite Israeli offensives, Hamas remains capable of launching rockets on Israeli territory, including one that hit the Tel Aviv suburbs, causing property damage.
As the Israel-Hamas conflict shows no signs of abating, both sides must weigh the devastating impact on the civilian population and seek a peaceful resolution to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the dire humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza.
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