In a stark warning that has sent shockwaves through the international community, a UN expert has raised alarming concerns about Israel’s actions in Gaza. The phrase “exterminate Gaza” has become a chilling possibility as the conflict intensifies, with death tolls far exceeding official figures and a humanitarian crisis spiraling out of control.

Estimated Death Toll Surpasses Official Figures

The true extent of the devastation in Gaza is becoming increasingly apparent as new estimates emerge. Francesca Albanese, the UN Special Rapporteur for Palestine, has cited a report suggesting that the actual death toll could be as high as 335,500 as of September 2024. This figure, based on calculations by University of Edinburgh global public health chair Devi Sridhar, starkly contrasts with the official count of 41,000 reported by Palestinian health officials.

Sridhar’s estimate draws on research published in The Lancet, which is considered the gold standard in the field. The calculation takes into account both direct casualties from bombings and indirect deaths resulting from the destruction of Gaza’s health, food, and sanitation systems. Even more alarmingly, these figures are considered conservative, implying that the true toll could be even higher.

Humanitarian Crisis Reaches “Beyond Catastrophic” Levels

The UN has described the current situation in Gaza as “beyond catastrophic,” with the humanitarian crisis worsening by the day. In August 2024, over 1 million Palestinians in southern and central Gaza were deprived of food assistance. This dire situation is attributed to a severe lack of food stocks and Israel’s continuous forced displacement orders, which have made it nearly impossible for aid groups to operate safely.

UN Secretary-General spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric reported that at least 70 kitchens preparing food aid were forced to suspend or relocate their operations due to Israel’s displacement orders last month. The death toll from famine remains unknown, as health officials are unable to count people who have died from starvation outside of health facilities.

While some progress has been made in delivering cooked meals to families across Gaza in recent weeks, the scale of assistance falls far short of what is desperately needed. The combination of food shortages, displacement, and the destruction of infrastructure has created a perfect storm of human suffering.

Potential to Exterminate Gaza: International Response and Consequences

The phrase exterminate Gaza has taken on a terrifying new meaning as Albanese warns that Israel could potentially wipe out nearly the entire population of Gaza within the next couple of years if global powers do not intervene. This grim prediction is based on estimates suggesting that the death toll could reach between 15 and 20 percent of the population by the end of 2024, just over a year into Israel’s military campaign.

Adding fuel to these concerns are statements from Israeli officials themselves. Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich was quoted lamenting that international powers wouldn’t allow Israel to cause the deaths of 2 million civilians in Gaza, even though he claimed it might be “justified and moral” until hostages are returned.

The international community’s response, particularly that of the United States, has come under intense scrutiny. The US has pledged to continue its nearly unconditional support of Israel, despite the mounting evidence of atrocities being carried out against Palestinians. This stance has raised questions about complicity and the long-term consequences of allowing such actions to continue unchecked.

Albanese voiced her disbelief at the world’s inaction, stating, “Once the dust settles, I can’t imagine how the world will go on after having allowed that. Again.” This sentiment echoes the historical weight of past genocides and the international community’s repeated failures to prevent them.

As the situation in Gaza continues to deteriorate, the phrase exterminate Gaza looms large over the international community. The staggering death toll estimates, combined with the ongoing humanitarian catastrophe and the apparent lack of intervention from global powers, paint a grim picture of what could become one of the most devastating humanitarian crises in recent history. The world watches and waits, but for the people of Gaza, time is running out.