A Brief Account of Humanitarian Causalities in Gaza Highlights Urgent Need for international intervention to halt the catastrophic violence.
Unprecedented Toll of Lives and Injuries
The ongoing Israeli aggression in Gaza has inflicted devastating human losses over 447 days, with confirmed reports as of December 26, 2024, revealing 45,399 martyrs, including 13,319 children, 7,216 women, and 3,447 elderly individuals. The numbers, managed by the Ministry of Health in Ramallah, underscore a tragic reality: many victims remain unaccounted for, trapped under rubble. Adding to this human tragedy, over 107,950 Palestinians have been injured, with tens of thousands enduring life-altering trauma. This unrelenting assault has cemented 2024 as the deadliest year for Palestinians, a stark reminder of the urgent need for international intervention to halt the catastrophic violence.
Critical Collapse of Gaza’s Health System
The health infrastructure in Gaza is on the brink of total collapse. Reports indicate that only 17 out of 36 hospitals remain operational, albeit partially, amid critical shortages of essential medical supplies. The targeting of hospitals, including Kamal Adwan and Al-‘Awda, constitutes a grave violation of international humanitarian law. Premature infants and critically ill patients are succumbing to preventable conditions due to the lack of ventilators, medical equipment, and medications. UNRWA has warned of the imminent depletion of over 60 essential drugs, while UNICEF highlights the devastating impact on children who could otherwise survive with adequate care.
Humanitarian Access Denied Amid Escalating Displacement
Northern Gaza remains under near-total siege, with Israeli forces blocking humanitarian aid for over two months. This denial has exacerbated the plight of approximately 1.6 million displaced individuals, many living in temporary shelters unfit for winter conditions. Reports from Beit Lahia reveal forced displacement of 5,500 people, further straining already limited resources. Despite urgent calls from the World Food Programme (WFP) for unrestricted humanitarian access, the Israeli occupation continues to hinder relief efforts, leaving countless families without adequate shelter, food, or clean water.
Impact on Women and Vulnerable Populations
Women and vulnerable populations bear the brunt of this crisis. Limited access to diagnostic tests, essential treatments, and maternal healthcare has resulted in increased maternal mortality and premature births. Disability services are nearly non-existent, leaving thousands of injured Palestinians without rehabilitation or assistive devices. The plight of these groups highlights a dire need for international humanitarian organizations to intervene, ensuring adequate protection and care for those most affected by the aggression.
Call for Global Accountability and Immediate Ceasefire
The humanitarian disaster in Gaza demands urgent international attention. The deliberate targeting of health workers, facilities, and civilians amounts to genocide, as noted by human rights organizations. Advocacy for immediate intervention is critical to halting the ongoing atrocities. Tangible actions, including enforcing a ceasefire, ensuring humanitarian access, and holding perpetrators accountable through international legal mechanisms, are imperative to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinian people. Without swift and decisive action, the situation will continue to spiral, perpetuating one of the gravest human rights crises of our time.
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