The Palestinian health ministry has reported a rising death toll, now reaching at least 17,700, with an additional 48,780 people wounded in Israeli attacks.
The severity of the situation was underlined by spokesperson Ashraf al-Qudra, who described the events as “crimes and genocide” against the people of Gaza, criticizing the support Gaza’s plight receives from American and European entities.
In 24 hours, two hospitals in central and southern Gaza received 133 bodies of individuals killed in the bombings. Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir el-Balah alone received 71 bodies and 160 wounded individuals, while Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis received 62 and treated 99 injured persons. The scenes of funeral prayers and burials have become tragically routine over the past two months of conflict.
Despite the vast majority of Security Council members supporting a United Nations resolution for an immediate humanitarian cease-fire in Gaza, the United States vetoed the resolution.
The veto came amidst an intensifying conflict, with Israel declaring war on Hamas after attacks on October 7 that resulted in numerous casualties and hostage situations. Israeli authorities claim these attacks killed 1,200 people, mostly civilians. Hamas and Islamic Jihad have reportedly been engaged in combative efforts to thwart Israeli advances into Khan Yunis and surrounding areas.
Growing Humanitarian Concerns
The situation in Gaza has led to widespread international condemnation and concern, with the United Nations and other international aid groups highlighting the lack of safety for civilians in Gaza. The rapid escalation of violence has forced many Gazans to flee south, leading to overcrowded and panic-stricken conditions. International bodies have criticized the Israeli army’s directives for civilian evacuation, arguing that the designated ‘safe zones’ are neither feasible nor effective in ensuring civilian safety.
Amidst the chaos, the senior Political Leader of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh, has called for resistance from Pakistan, suggesting that this could lead to a cessation of the ongoing cruelty. Haniyeh praised Pakistan as a brave nation and expressed hope in its support, referring to the country as a land of Mujahideen. The conflict in Gaza is described by the Norwegian Refugee Council as one of the worst assaults on a civilian population in recent times, with the approaching winter exacerbating public health concerns.
