The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a grave warning, stating that Gaza is on the brink of a "real catastrophe." With hospital fuel supplies decreasing quickly and essential resources such as food and water declining to dangerously low levels, the situation in Gaza has reached a critical point.
The problem's urgency is underscored by the fact that less than 24 hours remain before the potential catastrophe unfolds, as per The Independent.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens in Gaza
The Gaza Strip, a densely populated region already grappling with shortages of necessities, is now facing an escalating humanitarian crisis as it struggles to cope with the rising casualties from Israeli air strikes.
Dr. Yasser Ali of the Shuhada Al-Aqsa Hospital in Deir Al-Balah revealed the dire situation, saying, "The hospital morgue can only take ten bodies, so we have brought in ice cream freezers from the ice cream factories to store the huge numbers of [dead]."
Within rising tensions in the region, hospitals in Gaza are grappling with the daunting challenge of supplying medical resources, with the added concern of decreasing fuel reserves. This crisis comes from the loss of life and injuries both Israelis and Palestinians suffered.
Hamas militants' October 7 attacks have claimed over 1,400 Israeli lives, mostly civilians. In response, Israel launched counter-strikes, resulting in a death toll of 2,750 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.
A significant challenge in identifying the deceased is the condition of the bodies, many of which are charred. Dr. Chen Kugel, the head of the National Centre of Forensic Medicine, explained, "The amount of charred bodies that we receive now, the proportion is high."
The ongoing identification process relies on DNA, dental records, and CT scans to help identify the dead. Meanwhile, Israel has deployed forces along Gaza's border and conducted airstrikes targeting military installations and Hamas commanders.
The ongoing violence has displaced approximately 500,000 people, nearly a quarter of Gaza's population, who have sought refuge in United Nations schools and other facilities. Juliette Touma, spokesperson for the UN's Palestinian refugee agency, emphasized the dire situation, stating, "Gaza is running dry."
The United States has been actively involved in efforts to mediate the conflict, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken embarking on a tour through Arab nations, according to ABC News.
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Biden Set to Visit Israel
US President Joe Biden is also considering a visit to Israel, as he expressed concern about the potential for Israel to reoccupy Gaza. With the situation in Gaza growing increasingly desperate, the US has appointed David Satterfield, a former US ambassador with experience in Mideast diplomacy, as the special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues.
Satterfield's focus will be on getting humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza. Hospitals in Gaza are facing a critical shortage of generator fuel, and Gaza's sole power plant has shut down due to a lack of energy.
Hospitals like Nasser Hospital and Shifa Hospital struggle to care for critically ill patients as fuel runs out. These facilities have newborns in need of intensive care and patients on ventilators. The UN's Philip Lazzarini describes the unfolding situation as "an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe."
Gaza was already in a crisis due to water and medical supply shortages, exacerbated by the Israeli siege. The situation remains complex, with more than 1 million Palestinians in Gaza being ordered to move south by Israel in preparation for a significant campaign against Hamas in the north.
The US has been working to reopen the Rafah crossing with Gaza to facilitate the evacuation of foreign nationals and the delivery of humanitarian aid. However, the crossing remains closed as Israel insists it will only lift the siege when captives are returned.
As the violence continues escalating, international efforts must intensify to alleviate the suffering of the people in Gaza and work towards a lasting and peaceful solution, Outlook Reported.
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