The ongoing conflict in Gaza has reached a critical point as hospitals in the region are now only able to treat emergency cases. This is due to the severe shortage of fuel supplies, which are expected to run out in the coming hours. The United Nations has reported that their facilities are overwhelmed by the influx of displaced Palestinians seeking shelter, as they are currently housing four times their capacity.
At the same time, the Hamas-run health ministry in Gaza has reported that over 700 people have been killed by Israeli air strikes for the second consecutive day. Israel’s military claims that they are targeting Hamas fighters and infrastructure in response to a cross-border assault that occurred on October 7th. This assault resulted in the death of over 1,400 people and the hostage-taking of 222 others.
Israel has also stopped supplying electricity to Gaza, further exacerbating the dire situation. The territory now relies on back-up generators after its sole power station ran out of fuel on October 11th. Aid agencies and medics inside Gaza are warning that without electricity, key medical equipment will stall, leading to more casualties.
The World Health Organization’s representative, Dr Richard Peeperkorn, has stated that hospitals supported by the UN agency are only able to run generators at minimum levels for life-saving operations. This means that hospitals are forced to shut down all departments except for their emergency rooms to conserve fuel for vital equipment such as ventilators, neonatal incubators, and kidney dialysis machines.
The head of Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, Mohammed Abu Selmeya, has described the situation as a “state of complete collapse”. The hospitals are facing an unprecedented crisis, with limited resources and increasing demand for medical care.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA), which runs the largest humanitarian operation in Gaza, has also announced that it will have to halt all its operations in the territory unless it receives more fuel supplies. The agency plays a vital role in providing essential services such as food, water, and shelter to the 1.4 million people who have been displaced from their homes.
International calls for increased humanitarian access to Gaza have been growing louder as the situation worsens. The people in Gaza are struggling to find basic necessities like food, clean water, and shelter. Despite some aid lorries entering Gaza from Egypt, the amount provided is far from sufficient. Aid agencies estimate that at least 100 lorryloads of aid are needed every day to meet the needs of the population.
The death toll in Gaza has also risen sharply as the conflict continues. The Hamas-run health ministry has reported 756 deaths in the past 24 hours alone, bringing the total to 6,547 people killed since Israel initiated its retaliatory air and artillery strikes. Israel claims that it is targeting Hamas infrastructure and military targets.
The impact of the conflict on Gaza’s children is particularly devastating. The health ministry reports that over 2,700 children have been killed since the start of the conflict. The situation is dire and urgent action is needed to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza.
It is important to note that the situation is complex and has deep historical roots. The ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas has resulted in a humanitarian crisis that demands immediate attention. Efforts must be made to de-escalate the situation and find a peaceful resolution that ensures the safety and well-being of all those affected.
