Israel has announced plans to take control of the Gaza Strip, intensifying its military operations as the first aid trucks prepare to enter the besieged territory. The move comes after weeks of blockade and escalating conflict.
The Israeli military has expanded its offensive against Hamas militants, following the group’s attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. In a recent statement, Israeli forces called for the evacuation of Palestinians in and around the city of Khan Younis in southern Gaza, warning of an “unprecedented attack.”
Gaza’s civil defense agency reported that 52 people were killed in Israeli strikes on Monday alone. The ongoing conflict has displaced nearly all residents of Gaza and resulted in the deaths of over 53,000 people, many of them civilians, according to Gaza health authorities.
Amid the intensifying military actions, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has reached a critical point. The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a stark warning, stating that “two million people are starving” due to the total blockade imposed since early March. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus emphasized the urgency, noting that “the risk of famine in Gaza is increasing with the deliberate withholding of humanitarian aid.”
Under international pressure to ease the blockade, Israel announced that it would allow limited aid into Gaza. On Monday, the first delivery of trucks carrying baby food was set to enter the territory. However, United Nations agencies report severe shortages of food, clean water, fuel, and medicine.
The United Nations Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights criticized the recent actions, describing them as “in defiance of international law.” The office highlighted concerns over the displacement of civilians, the destruction of neighborhoods, and the denial of humanitarian assistance.
As the situation unfolds, global leaders and organizations are calling for an immediate de-escalation and increased humanitarian support to prevent further loss of life and alleviate the suffering of Gaza’s residents.
