Israeli strikes on Gaza lead to humanitarian disaster
- Since March 18, 2025, Israel has resumed extensive military attacks on Gaza, leading to over 830 fatalities.
- The humanitarian crisis has sharply worsened, with hospitals lacking basic medical supplies and urgent needs for aid.
- Without ongoing international humanitarian support, the conditions in Gaza are expected to continue deteriorating.
The ongoing conflict in Gaza has escalated significantly in recent weeks, with the Gaza Health Ministry reporting that over 830 individuals have been killed since Israel resumed large-scale strikes on March 18, 2025. This military campaign has resulted in severe humanitarian repercussions, with reports of wounded patients in hospitals being left without essential medical supplies. Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz announced intentions to operate with full force in additional regions of Gaza, citing a need to safeguard Israeli lives against Hamas. The UN's Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs indicated that the renewed Israeli offensive has forced more than 142,000 Palestinians to flee their homes, exacerbating an already dire humanitarian situation. In addition to casualties among civilians, aid workers have not been spared; the UN reported that at least eight humanitarian aid workers have been killed in the recent bombardments, raising the total fatalities among aid personnel in Gaza to 399, including staff from various organizations. Emergency medical supplies are critically lacking, with hospitals facing unprecedented demands and shortages of painkillers and blood units. The health ministry has urgently requested 8,000 blood units, yet the ongoing violence has made it difficult for people to donate, leading to dire conditions in medical facilities. As the Israeli military continues its offensive, it has also threatened Hamas with increased force, warning that attempts to retrieve hostages by force could result in loss of life. In the meantime, incidents of violence continue; Israeli gunfire has killed Palestinians in several locations around Gaza, while drone strikes have targeted makeshift shelters for displaced individuals. The humanitarian crisis is further compounded by widespread displacement and the breakdown of basic health services. Given the grim realities faced by the people in Gaza, organizations are urging for continued humanitarian efforts to provide urgent assistance. With infrastructure in ruins and resources dwindling, the ability to treat war injuries and prevent the spread of diseases like scabies among children has become increasingly challenging. Without international intervention and support, the situation is likely to deteriorate further, resulting in catastrophic implications for the civilian population.