Gaza humanitarian crisis deepens as conflict escalates.
(The Post News)- A disastrous Israel airstrike in Beit Lahia, northern Gaza, has killed at least 93 people, including 25 children. This is one of the deadliest attacks since Israel reinforced military operations in early October and has deepened concerns about civilian casualties.
The US State Department officials have expressed deep concern over the loss of civilians’ lives, describing the incident as “horrifying.” They emphasized that many of the victims killed were children who had been fleeing in fear of the war’s impact for over a year.
Israel’s military has acknowledged the reports about civilian harm and has initiated an investigation. The strike unfolded a day after Israel’s parliament passed laws potentially hindering the UN’s (United Nations) aid agency, UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency), which provides crucial support to Palestinian refugees. Many of the speakers at the UN Security Council meeting condemned Israel’s move.
An Iranian-backed militant group, Hezbollah, named Naim Qassem as its new leader following the assassination of Hasan Nasrallah in an Israeli strike. Qassem reportedly vowed a “long” battle against Israel. According to the Washington Post analysis of the satellite image, the recent Israeli airstrikes on Iran have damaged the missile production capabilities and air defenses, limiting Tehran’s ability to retaliate.
At least 43,020 people have been killed and 101,110 injured in Gaza, as reported by the Gaza Health Ministry, while Lebanon’s Health Ministry reported that 2,672 people are killed and 12,468 injured. Israel estimates that 1,200 people were killed on October 7 of the Hamas attack, including over 300 soldiers.
International leaders urge immediate ceasefire and humanitarian aid access. The European Union provides emergency aid and condemns violence. Humanitarian organizations are aware of catastrophic consequences due to severe aid restrictions. UNRWA officials also pointed out that the unraveling humanitarian operations in Gaza will have disastrous consequences.
Officials from the US Department of State highlighted that Israel has a legal commitment to let humanitarian aid into and out of Gaza in order to establish a perimeter for humanitarian assistance. Meanwhile, the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, with hundreds of thousands displaced and critical aid shortages. The international community must work toward a peaceful resolution and prioritize humanitarian assistance.
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