Israeli airstrikes overnight and into Saturday brought the death toll in Gaza to at least 72 people since Friday morning. This escalation deepens a war that has killed more than 56,000 Palestinians since it started. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the clock is ticking. According to the Gaza Health Ministry, more than 500 Palestinians have died seeking food, including many since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation started distributing their humanitarian food relief nearly a month ago.
The war has created a humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions. It has uprooted almost the entire population — 2.3 million people — of Gaza and caused widespread hunger across the enclave. Given these alarming conditions, radicalized local and global civil society actors are clamoring for intervention and measures including a full ceasefire, more than ever before.
Recent Strikes and Their Impact
One of these airstrikes included an assault on the small neighborhood of Jabalia, where the Israeli military killed at least 49 civilians, including many children. The most heartbreaking of these incidents took place in Muwasi, south of Khan Younis. The attack on a tent camp destroyed dozens of lives, killing three children and their parents in the process. In a separate attack on a wedding in eastern Gaza City, at least eight people were killed, including five children.
Moreover, another strike close to the Palestine Stadium, a shelter for those made homeless by the devastation, killed 12 civilians there. At Shifa Hospital, medical professionals documented that eight additional deaths took place in private residences. Women and children account for 83 percent of deaths and injuries. This is an alarming trend that illustrates how devastating the conflict has been to already vulnerable populations.
“What did these children do to them? What is their fault?” – Suad Abu Teim
As starvation and hunger increase, Israeli soldiers have been said to have shot at thousands of people trying to reach food distribution points. Since mid-May, Israel has allowed only half of the food needed into Gaza. This was in addition to a blockade that had prevented all food from entering the territory for more than two months.
The Humanitarian Crisis Deepens
The severe and continuous violence has worsened a dire humanitarian disaster that was already underway in Gaza. Many are unable to access food or clean drinking water. The Gaza Ministry of Health continues to provide updates on the situation. As a result, residents are experiencing crippling levels of hunger and deprivation from the effects of constant war.
Despite critical strides of humanitarian assistance having been made, these efforts have been adversely affected by the ongoing military actions. As aid organizations work tirelessly to provide relief, the situation remains dire for the millions affected by the conflict. With their homes destroyed, families have been displaced from shelter and essential services.
“What more is left to do in Gaza that has not already been done? Who else is left to eliminate?” – Yotam Cohen
Political Stalemate and Calls for Ceasefire
On Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s preferred outcome, he could not be more clear. He has promised to end the war only after a complete disarmament and exile of Hamas leadership. Yet Hamas has stubbornly turned down this request, refusing to disarm. This political impasse not only makes any solution to the conflict more difficult, but continues to cause significant suffering among the civilian population.
Amid heightened conflict, peace advocates have new reason for optimism with a potential ceasefire agreement coming sometime during the next week. According to these reports, U.S. President Joe Biden himself has been personally engaged in discussions to negotiate such a resolution to the still-ongoing crisis.
“We’re working on Gaza and trying to get it taken care of.” – US President Biden
The international community’s eyes remain fixed on Gaza, eager to see what comes next. As the humanitarian crisis deepens with increasing calls for peace and humanitarian aid to the region, gamer activism could not be more relevant. We need to talk and work together to stop the pain endured by millions.
