Israel Set to Intensify Gaza Attacks as Death Toll Rises
Amid ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine, the death toll in Gaza continues to rise. Despite calls from various organizations, including the United Nations, for a ceasefire and unrestricted humanitarian access, Israel has announced its plans to intensify attacks on Gaza. The Israeli government’s decision comes as the death toll in Gaza reaches 4,137, including 1,756 children and 967 women, while another 13,561 people have been wounded.
United Nations agencies have emphasized the urgent need for a ceasefire and have called for immediate, unrestricted humanitarian access throughout Gaza. They are urging humanitarian actors to reach civilians in need, save lives, and alleviate further suffering. The agencies, including the UNDP, UNFPA, UNICEF, WFP, and WHO, have stressed the importance of scaled and sustained humanitarian aid flows to preserve the dignity of all Gazans.
Efforts to provide aid to Gaza have recently seen some progress, with a shipment of aid reaching the enclave through the Rafah crossing. Twenty trucks carrying essential supplies, including medicine, medical supplies, and a limited amount of food, have entered Gaza from Egypt. However, aid groups have described this as a mere drop in the ocean compared to the critical needs on the ground.
While Palestinians in the West Bank have criticized the aid delivery as a PR stunt, citing insufficient quantities to respond to the dire situation, the executive director of the World Food Programme, Cindy McCain, welcomed the convoy’s arrival but cautioned that 20 trucks of aid are not enough.
The intensification of attacks from Israel is set to begin on Saturday night, according to Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm Daniel Hagari. He emphasized the aim of minimizing dangers to Israeli forces in the next stages of the conflict. Hagari also reiterated calls for residents of Gaza to evacuate to the south.
As the conflict escalates, Hezbollah, the Lebanese armed group, has vowed to weaken the Israeli enemy. Sheikh Naim Kassem, Hezbollah’s deputy leader, spoke at a fighter’s funeral, expressing their readiness to confront Israel. Meanwhile, fighting between Hezbollah fighters in southern Lebanon and Israel’s army has been reported along the border, although it has remained geographically confined.
As the situation continues to unfold, the international community remains concerned about the devastating humanitarian crisis in Gaza. Calls for a ceasefire and increased humanitarian aid persist, but the immediate priority lies in alleviating the suffering of the civilian population and preventing further loss of life.
