Israeli forces have completely encircled Gaza City as they continue their assault on the Gaza Strip. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) reported that soldiers are engaged in close quarters combat with Hamas fighters staging hit and run attacks from tunnels. The United Nations (UN) has expressed concerns about the escalating violence, stating that four of its schools being used as shelters have been damaged, and water shortages in the region are worsening. Meanwhile, the Hamas-run health ministry claims that over 9,000 Palestinians have been killed in the conflict.
The UN Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) emphasized the extent of the crisis by revealing that four of its schools had been damaged in less than 24 hours, with at least 20 people killed at a school in the Jabalia refugee camp. Disturbing videos from the schools depict the aftermath of these attacks, showing numerous casualties, including men, women, and children. Hamas authorities in Gaza have blamed Israeli air strikes for the destruction, while the IDF has not yet commented on the matter.
The situation in Gaza has been described as catastrophic by UN-appointed experts, who have called for a humanitarian ceasefire. They warn that the Palestinian population in Gaza is at “grave risk of genocide” due to the severe shortages of fuel and disruption to water supplies, leaving them with limited access to safe drinking water. The experts highlight the essential role of water in human life and express concern that two million Gazans are struggling to find drinking water.
The Israeli mission to the United Nations in Geneva has criticized the experts’ comments and placed the blame for civilian deaths on Hamas. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu of Israel praised the IDF’s progress, stating that they have reached the outskirts of Gaza City and are advancing. The Rafah crossing with Egypt briefly opened, allowing some foreign nationals to leave Gaza, yet more than 20,000 wounded individuals remain trapped in the territory, according to Doctors Without Borders.
In a significant development, Hezbollah, a Lebanese movement, announced that it had simultaneously attacked 19 targets in Israel. The Israeli military responded by striking a series of Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. This escalation comes ahead of a much-anticipated speech by Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, his first public address since the conflict began last month.
The situation in Israel and Gaza has raised concerns globally due to the escalating violence and the rising death toll. Immediate attention must be given to securing a humanitarian ceasefire, ensuring access to essential resources such as water, and protecting civilians caught in the crossfire. The international community should also engage in diplomatic efforts to de-escalate the situation and address the underlying issues that have led to this crisis.
