Since midnight, Israeli air strikes have resulted in the deaths of 103 individuals in Gaza, according to the Hamas-controlled civil defense agency. These air strikes occurred amidst Israel’s ongoing ten-week blockade on aid entering Gaza. Our Jerusalem correspondent, Yolande Knell, explores the reasons behind Israel’s blockade here.
The Gaza Strip, a densely populated enclave, has long been a flashpoint of conflict, but recent escalations have plunged its residents into a deepening crisis. Many deaths have been recorded in Gaza in recent times. The relentless bombardment and Israeli airstrikes have not only resulted in significant loss of life and destruction of infrastructure but have also cast a long shadow over the hope and resilience of its people.
In the face of such adversity, the daily lives of Gazans are marked by uncertainty and fear. Families are torn apart, homes are reduced to rubble, and essential services such as healthcare, water, and electricity are severely compromised. Schools that should provide a refuge for children become targets, robbing the younger generation of their right to education and a safe environment. The psychological toll on those living in Gaza is immense, with trauma becoming a pervasive part of life.
Despite these challenges, the spirit of the Gazan people has historically been characterized by resilience. Communities often come together to support one another, sharing resources and offering solace amid despair. Yet, as the bombardment continues, the flicker of hope that once illuminated their lives begins to dim. The prospect of peace seems increasingly elusive, and the international community’s response often feels inadequate.
Humanitarian organizations strive to provide aid, but the blockade and ongoing violence complicate efforts to deliver necessary supplies. Gazans find themselves caught in a cycle of despair, where each ceasefire is followed by renewed hostilities, leaving them to grapple with the aftermath each time. The longing for peace is palpable, yet the reality on the ground makes it difficult to envision a future free from violence.
The voices of Gazans, filled with pain and yearning for a better tomorrow, often go unheard in the global discourse. It is crucial to amplify these voices and advocate for a resolution that honors their rights and dignity. Only through sustained dialogue, empathy, and commitment to justice can the cycle of violence be broken, allowing hope to once again flourish in Gaza.
The situation in Gaza is a stark reminder of the human cost of conflict. Death on high side in Gaza enclave, as hope dims among its residents, it is a call to action for individuals, organizations, and governments worldwide to work tirelessly toward a lasting peace that prioritizes the well-being of all affected. The journey to recovery and reconciliation is long, but it begins with a commitment to understanding and addressing the root causes of the conflict.
Israeli air strikes have killed 103 people in Gaza since midnight, according to the Hamas-run civil defense agency. The air strikes come as an Israeli blockade on aid entering Gaza continues, with 10 different aid agencies reporting that the humanitarian situation is worsening.
One woman shares her struggles raising two daughters in a warzone, while an aid worker expresses, “We do not know how much longer we can hold on.” We are reporting people’s stories inside Gaza all day—here’s some of what we’ve heard so far.
Israel does not allow journalists to enter Gaza, so we are receiving messages, voice notes, and pictures from those living there. “I imagine every air strike hitting someone I know,” our Gaza correspondent reflects on the personal cost of covering the war.
Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October 2023, killing at least 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages. In retaliation, Israel’s military campaign has resulted in at least 52,829 deaths in Gaza, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.
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Dire situation in Gaza Deaths, Hunger humanitarian crisis.
Israel’s stoppage of aid to Gaza has resulted into deaths . one of the most contested issues of the war. It closed all crossings on 2 March, stating its aim was to pressure Hamas to release remaining hostages. Israel has described its action as one of its “main pressure tools” on Hamas, which it accuses of stealing and hoarding aid—a claim the armed group denies.
Israel and the US have recently argued for a new aid delivery system, but the UN and its humanitarian partners have rejected this proposal, claiming it attempts to weaponize aid while asserting they have maintained strong supervision over the entry and distribution of supplies during the conflict.
At the start of this week, a report from the respected global food monitor, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, revealed that half a million people in Gaza are facing starvation, with the entire 2.1 million population experiencing acute food insecurity. With the planned expansion of Israel’s military offensive, continued closure of crossings, and forced mass displacement, the report concluded: “The risk of famine in the Gaza Strip is not just possible – it is increasingly likely.”
However, on Wednesday, Israeli government spokesman David Mencer told reporters “There is food in Gaza, that’s our information. During the last hostage release pause, over 25,000 aid trucks went in; markets even today are open in Gaza so there is food, there is no famine.” He added, “We don’t dispute that there is hunger in Gaza, but we believe it is hunger caused by Hamas.”
During the two-month-long ceasefire earlier this year, hundreds of aid lorries entered the Gaza Strip daily. However, with most of Gaza’s population now reliant on handouts, food stocks have quickly diminished. According to the UN’s humanitarian office, OCHA, only about 65 community kitchens were still operational yesterday, preparing around 249,000 daily meals. The manager of one kitchen mentioned that operations were sustained for another week by swapping rice for cooking oil with another aid agency.
Some fresh food can still be purchased in Gaza, but at exorbitant prices that most cannot afford. Fishermen continue to sell seafood, and small amounts of food are still being grown locally, but much of the agricultural land is now under Israeli military control. Shops and markets offer limited quantities of dried and canned food—even expired goods are on sale. Everyday items have become extremely scarce, including baby formula, posing a significant problem for newborns as many new mothers suffer from poor nutrition and cannot breastfeed.
Gazans report that the cost of flour is now more than 50 times higher than during the ceasefire. Some have resorted to innovative solutions to make bread, with a coffee grinding stall in Gaza City demonstrating how it now sells small amounts of ground pasta and lentils.