UPDATE: Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 40 people across the Gaza Strip on Wednesday, escalating the humanitarian crisis as military operations intensify in Gaza City. The Gaza Civil Defence agency reports that the relentless assault has displaced hundreds of thousands since the offensive began on September 19, 2023, aiming to eliminate Hamas amid a devastating famine affecting the region.
As the Israeli military continues its ground and air offensive in Gaza City, it has confirmed targeting what they describe as Hamas militants. However, the latest strikes have caused widespread civilian casualties. Among the deceased, 22 individuals were killed by three separate airstrikes on a warehouse sheltering displaced people near the Firas market in Gaza City.
Witnesses recount harrowing experiences. Thaer Saqr, 39, shared the tragic loss of his sister during a frantic escape to safety. “The tanks on the coastal road… opened fire on us,” he said, expressing his despair as he returned to Gaza City. Saqr, who described the dire situation, urged, “I appeal to the world: help us.”
The United Nations estimates that around 1 million people inhabit Gaza City and its surroundings, with the Israeli military reporting that approximately 550,000 people have fled southward. However, Gaza’s civil defence agency claims the number is closer to 450,000, highlighting the chaos and confusion amid the conflict.
Families have been forced to sleep outdoors for days, struggling to find temporary shelter. Mohammed Hajjaj, a survivor of the strikes, lamented the “pitiful sight” of destruction, stating, “We came and found children and women torn apart.” In the aftermath of a recent strike, bodies were seen being pulled from the rubble, with reports of children among the victims.
The Israeli military has not confirmed the details surrounding the civilian deaths and described their operations as necessary to combat Hamas threats. However, the situation remains critical, with conditions worsening as humanitarian aid distributions have become deadly traps, according to local residents.
As the conflict drags on, the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza reports that military operations have resulted in the deaths of at least 65,419 Palestinians, primarily civilians, since the onset of hostilities nearly two years ago. In contrast, Israeli figures indicate 1,219 fatalities from the initial Hamas attack that precipitated the current war.
The escalating violence comes amid accusations from a UN probe, which claims Israel’s actions in Gaza may constitute genocide—allegations that Israel has vehemently rejected as “distorted and false.”
Local residents like Mahmud al-Dreimly, 44, describe the terror of navigating their neighborhoods under constant fire. “I felt death was near,” he stated, recounting his journey to find shelter in Gaza City’s Al-Rimal neighborhood.
With tensions continuing to rise and casualties mounting, the urgent need for international intervention and humanitarian assistance has never been more pressing. The world watches as the situation unfolds, with many hoping for a swift resolution to the ongoing violence.
