Israel has escalated its military actions in Gaza following a weekend attack by Hamas. The attack resulted in a significant number of casualties in Israel, with militants killing over 1,200 people and taking hostages. The IDF reported a brutal situation in Kfar Aza, describing it as a “massacre,” and Be’eri also suffered significant casualties.
In response, Israeli airstrikes have heavily targeted Gaza, causing extensive damage and creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Hamas warned of an imminent power crisis, while Israel’s Defense Minister vowed to bring lasting change to Gaza. The intensifying conflict raises concerns about increasing Palestinian civilian casualties.
US President Joe Biden pledged military support for Israel, including replenishing the Iron Dome system, and condemned Hamas’ actions as “pure, unadulterated evil.”
Civilians in Gaza are facing a deepening humanitarian crisis as Israel continues its fifth day of bombardment, implementing a “complete siege” on the enclave, according to the Israeli government. This siege, ordered by the Israeli Defense Minister, involves halting the supply of electricity, food, water, and fuel, predominantly controlled by Israel.
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights office has noted that such sieges, which deprive civilians of essential goods, violate international humanitarian law and further worsen the already dire human rights and humanitarian situation in Gaza, especially impacting medical facilities.
Cutting off the water supply affects over 610,000 people, leading to a severe drinking water shortage, as stated by UN OCHA. The ongoing strikes have damaged Gaza’s medical infrastructure and led to over 263,000 Palestinians fleeing their homes, hindering medical teams’ access to victims, according to the UN. UNRWA has reported employee casualties and facility damage, affecting aid efforts into Gaza.
Border crossings, including Erez and Kerem Shalom for movement into Israel, have been closed, and the Rafah crossing to Egypt was targeted by Israeli airstrikes.
The Rafah crossing is the only route for Gazans seeking refuge. The IDF confirms striking the Rafah area, targeting an underground tunnel used for smuggling weapons and equipment.
