The humanitarian crisis in Gaza worsens as Israel resumes military operations following the breakdown of a ceasefire. According to the Hamas-run health ministry, the recent escalation has resulted in at least 1,978 fatalities since military actions resumed, pushing the overall death toll since the war’s inception to at least 51,355.
Collapse of the Truce
On 2 March 2024, Israel blocked all humanitarian aid to Gaza, just days before launching renewed military offensives. This decision has left many in desperation, with Philippe Lazzarini, head of the UN agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA), stating, “Hunger is spreading and deepening, deliberate and manmade… Humanitarian aid is being used as a bargaining chip and a weapon of war.”
Recent Strikes and Human Impact
Following military strikes, tragic scenes unfolded in Khan Younis, with footage capturing bodies on the ground, including those of a young woman and a child. Rania al-Jumla, a grieving relative, expressed the pain felt by many, saying, “One by one we are getting martyred, dying in pieces.” This highlights the human toll that the conflict continues to take.
Negotiation Breakdown
A truce brokered by Qatar, the United States, and Egypt initially allowed a surge in aid and facilitated negotiations between Israel and Hamas starting from 19 January 2024. However, internal disagreements over the terms for extending the truce led to its collapse. Hamas pushed for discussions on a permanent resolution to end the war while Israel sought to prolong the initial terms, leading to a standstill.
- Israel’s military operations resumed amid ongoing aid blockades.
- The total death toll since the war began now surpasses 51,000.
- The humanitarian situation is described as increasingly dire.
As the conflict continues, the impact on civilians in Gaza cannot be overstated, with many families bearing the brunt of the violence.