Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza: A Reflection on the Ongoing Conflict

The Israeli military has intensified its bombardments and ground operations in Gaza, issuing what it claims is the final warning to civilians still in the city. Residents were urged to evacuate immediately towards the south, with Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warning that those who do not comply will be labeled as terrorists or their supporters. These forced evacuation orders are seen as violations of international law, and since the onset of the war, many such orders have accompanied the escalating conflict. The situation in Gaza has reached dire proportions. Nearly a month ago, the city was home to around one million people, many of whom are now faced with harrowing choices: take the risk of remaining in a bombed-out city or move to overcrowded areas such as al Mawasi or Deir al Balah, leaving behind their homes and possessions. Reports indicate that approximately 780,000 residents fled the city within the last month. The urban landscape has dramatically changed, with many tall buildings razed to the ground, rendering survival chances for those who remain nearly nonexistent. Tragically, Wednesday alone saw the death of 46 individuals, with 36 casualties reported in Gaza per the city’s civil protection agency. Meanwhile, the Israeli army has effectively cut off the only northern access roads, forcing an overwhelming number of civilians to congregate onto the already congested southern coastal road. As of September 12, the Zikim crossing in northern Gaza has been closed, halting the entry of food and essential goods. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) declared a famine in northern Gaza as of August 22, with only minimal increases in food truck arrivals since that declaration. Market testimonies reflect an increasingly bleak landscape; many are now either closed or completely devoid of merchandise, further exacerbating the food scarcity. In light of the difficulty posed by military operations, the International Red Cross has suspended its activities, with Doctors Without Borders following suit shortly thereafter, citing encirclement by Israeli forces. The United Nations reported that four hospitals became unusable over the weekend due to the escalating violence. However, conditions are hardly better for those displaced to the south. Contrary to Israeli assertions about the availability of aid in designated ‘safe areas,’ many newcomers are finding themselves homeless, sleeping rough or paying exorbitant prices for makeshift tents. Hospitals that remain operational are overwhelmed, and inadequacies in water supply persist, leading to health issues, including respiratory problems from individuals resorting to burning plastics for warmth. Despite claims from Israel of sufficient food supply, NGOs have reported serious hindrances in the retrieval and distribution of aid. A critical observation from the UN indicated that approximately 73 percent of goods entering Gaza in September were pilfered by desperate individuals, often preemptively hoarding or reselling them. The crisis in Gaza is evolving into a humanitarian catastrophe, marked by widespread loss of life, mass displacement, and severe shortages of food and medical assistance. As the conflict shows no immediate signs of abating, the international community watches anxiously, and urgent efforts are required to address the escalating needs of those afflicted by this relentless war. Related Sources: • Source 1 • Source 2