The Israeli military has commenced its attack on Gaza City, declaring the city a “dangerous combat zone” and suspending daily pauses in fighting that allowed humanitarian aid to reach the famine-hit area.
Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee confirmed the start of the operation, stating, “we are not waiting. We have begun preliminary operations and the initial stages of the attack on Gaza City. We are currently operating with great force on the outskirts of the city.”
This development comes as the city grapples with a severe humanitarian crisis, with the UN’s children’s agency, UNICEF, warning that famine is “absolutely ravaging Gaza City.” The situation is dire, with malnourished children pouring into nutrition centers, and parents desperate for help.
Tess Ingram, UNICEF spokesperson, described the scene: “It’s clear on the ground that famine is absolutely ravaging Gaza City.” Health workers are struggling to cope with the influx of children, with many at risk of malnutrition.¹
The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) initiative reported that famine has already taken hold in the Gaza governorate, which includes Gaza City.
The Palestinian Ministry of Health has recorded at least five deaths due to starvation and malnutrition in the past 24 hours, bringing the total number of people killed by hunger and malnutrition since the war began to 322, including 121 children.
As Israel intensifies its assault on Gaza City, residents are facing relentless bombardment, with many forced to flee their homes. Nihad Madoukh from Sheikh Radwan described a terrifying experience: “They launched a firebelt attack only 150 meters away from us.
They scorched the entire area. It was very scary bombardment.” The Israeli military’s actions have resulted in significant damage, with over 1,000 residential buildings flattened in the Zeitoun and Sabra neighborhoods since August 6.
The conflict has led to a staggering number of casualties, with over 62,600 Palestinians killed and at least 157,600 wounded, according to Palestinian health authorities. The situation is further complicated by the displacement of millions of Palestinians, with many living in precarious conditions.
The international community has expressed concern over the escalating violence, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the horrors in Gaza and calling for accountability amid the famine. The UK government has also spoken out, saying Israel’s decision to escalate the war on Gaza was “wrong”.
Casualty Numbers:
- Palestinian Deaths: Over 62,600 killed, including 322 due to starvation and malnutrition
- Palestinian Injuries: At least 157,600 wounded
- Displacement: Millions of Palestinians displaced, living in precarious conditions
Recall that the daily pauses in fighting were announced by the Israeli military to allow humanitarian aid to reach Gaza City.
According to reports, these pauses were intended to facilitate the movement of aid convoys and staff members through checkpoints, ensuring the delivery of essential supplies, including food and fuel, to the besieged area.
The pauses were announced on June 16, 2024, with the Israeli military stating that daily pauses would be in effect from 05:00 GMT until 16:00 GMT in areas along the route from the Karem Abu Salem crossing to Salah al-Din Road and northwards.
However, UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini noted that despite the announcement, “operationally, nothing has changed yet,” with hostilities continuing in Rafah and elsewhere in southern Gaza.
The daily pauses were likely a response to growing international pressure to address the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, where millions of Palestinians are in dire need of food, water, sanitation, shelter, and healthcare.
The UN has repeatedly called for the facilitation of humanitarian operations in Gaza, with UN Secretary-General António Guterres condemning the horrors in Gaza and urging accountability amid the famine.
The pauses were seen as a potential step towards mitigating the humanitarian crisis, but their effectiveness was hindered by continued fighting and restrictions on aid delivery.
The suspension of these pauses, as announced recently, has further exacerbated the crisis, with severe consequences for the civilian population in Gaza City.
The situation in Gaza City remains dire, with the Israeli military’s actions exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. As the conflict continues, the international community is urging for immediate action to address the crisis and ensure accountability for those affected.