2025-05-24T08:49:10Z

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The ongoing conflict in Gaza has escalated dramatically, with recent reports indicating that Israeli airstrikes have tragically resulted in the deaths of at least six individuals across the Palestinian territory. This alarming information was provided by Gaza's civil defense agency, whose spokesman, Mahmud Bassal, confirmed the fatalities during a communication with AFP.

Bassal detailed a particularly devastating incident in the Amal quarter of Khan Younis, where a pre-dawn strike targeted a residential home, leading to the deaths of a couple along with their two young children. This heartbreaking loss underscores the profound human cost of the conflict, where families are often caught in the crossfire of military operations.

In a separate incident, two more individuals lost their lives due to a strike on the Nuseirat refugee camp, which is located in the central part of Gaza. These events come in the wake of Israel resuming military operations in Gaza on March 18, effectively ending a two-month ceasefire that had brought a brief respite to the conflict-ridden area.

According to Gaza's health ministry, the death toll in the territory since the resumption of hostilities has tragically climbed to at least 3,673, contributing to an overall war toll that has now surpassed 53,822, with a significant number of the deceased being civilians. The violence was initially ignited by a surprise attack from Hamas in October 2023, which resulted in 1,218 Israeli deaths, mostly among civilians, as reported by AFP based on official statistics.

The conflict has also seen the taking of hostages, with militants capturing 251 individuals during their initial attack. Currently, 57 hostages are still believed to be held in Gaza, including 34 individuals that the Israeli military claims are deceased.

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the dire situation faced by Palestinians, describing it as “the cruellest phase” of the ongoing war. His remarks coincided with reports of looting incidents involving food trucks in Gaza, which occurred after a partial easing of the Israeli blockade that has been in place for an extended period. This blockade has exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, leading to severe shortages of food and essential medical supplies.

The World Food Programme (WFP) has made urgent appeals to Israel, stressing the need to significantly increase the volume of food assistance delivered to Gaza. The WFP emphasized, “Hunger, desperation, and anxiety over whether more food aid is coming, is contributing to rising insecurity.” This statement reflects the critical conditions faced by the population in the region, where access to basic necessities has become increasingly limited.

Humanitarian aid deliveries to Gaza were reinstated on Monday for the first time since March 2, but the situation on the ground remains dire. WHO Emergencies Director Michael Ryan warned that approximately 2.1 million people in Gaza are now “in imminent danger of death.” He called for an immediate cessation of hostilities, the release of all hostages, and the urgent restoration of medical services in the besieged region.

Ryan's statements highlight the severe health crisis in Gaza, where the World Health Organization (WHO) has reported acute shortages of food, water, medical supplies, fuel, and shelter. The healthcare system has been particularly hard hit, with four major hospitals suspending operations in response to nearby hostilities or evacuation orders. Currently, only 19 out of 36 hospitals are operational in Gaza, and medical staff are laboring under “impossible conditions.”

The WHO further reported that at least 94% of hospitals in the Gaza Strip have suffered damage or destruction, leaving north Gaza nearly devoid of healthcare resources. The organization noted that only 2,000 hospital beds are available across the territory—a number that is grossly inadequate for the current crisis.

“The destruction is systematic,” the WHO stated in its communication, emphasizing that hospitals are often rebuilt and restocked only to be targeted again in subsequent attacks. The cycle of destruction must be halted to prevent further suffering among the population.

As the situation continues to evolve, international calls for action grow louder, with many urging governments to address the humanitarian needs of those affected by the ongoing violence.