70% of deaths are women and children… civilian casualties
More than 500,000 people suffer from severe hunger
Residents steal relief goods trucks one after another
Tensions rise in the region due to the possibility of an escalation of war.
In front of a burn treatment hospital in Cairo, the capital of Egypt, on the 11th. About 20 large trucks containing various medical and relief supplies, drinking water, etc. were seen on the nearby road. These are items that should have been delivered to Gaza residents a long time ago through the Rafah checkpoint in Egypt, which borders the Gaza Strip in Palestine. One driver said, “I’ve been waiting here for two weeks already because the Egyptian authorities haven’t given me a transportation permit.” He added that every time he hears news that casualties in the Gaza Strip are increasing, he feels sad that he cannot deliver these supplies.
The 100th day of the Middle East war, which broke out due to an attack on Israel by the Palestinian armed group Hamas on October 7 last year, marks the 100th day on the 14th. As Israel, which has an overwhelming superiority in military power, continues to attack, the number of victims in the Gaza Strip is increasing, and the humanitarian crisis for survivors is deepening.
Recently, due to pressure from the international community, the Israeli military has withdrawn some of its ground troops and is turning to ‘low-intensity operations’, but Palestinian civilian casualties remain. Most of the Israeli dead were civilians, and there are more than 100 hostages still held by Hamas. As the war prolongs, civilian casualties on both sides are growing like a snowball.
According to the Gaza Strip’s Ministry of Health, at least 23,200 people have died in the Gaza Strip alone since the outbreak of war until the 10th of this month. This amounts to approximately 1% of the total population of Gaza (approximately 2.27 million people). In particular, 70% of the dead are women and children. The United Nations said that at least 500,000 people are suffering from severe hunger. In major northern cities such as Gaza City, where Israel’s attacks were concentrated, 80% of all buildings were destroyed.
Recently, some residents in the Gaza Strip suffering from a shortage of daily necessities even competed to steal relief supplies. On the 9th, in western Sheikh Izlin, dozens of people surrounded two relief trucks and stole supplies. The Associated Press said, “These are just a few of the many robberies that have occurred in recent weeks,” and that it is difficult for relief supplies to reach the northern part of the Gaza Strip, where Israeli airstrikes have been concentrated, as most of the road network has been destroyed.
During the same period, the number of deaths on the Israeli side was approximately 1,386. About 1,200 civilians were killed during Hamas’ surprise attack on October 7 last year, and 186 military personnel were sacrificed in the subsequent fighting. It is estimated that there are 132 hostages currently held by Hamas. Initially, about 230 civilians were taken hostage, but 105 were released under a temporary ceasefire agreement between the two sides.
Despite the situation, neither side shows any signs of easily agreeing to a ceasefire. In particular, ceasefire negotiations were completely halted after Israel killed Saleh al-Arouri, the third-ranking member of Hamas, who was staying near Beirut, Lebanon, on the 2nd.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on social media X (formerly Twitter) on the 10th, “Israel has no intention to permanently occupy the Gaza Strip or relocate civilians.” It evolved after remarks suggesting a post-war occupation of the Gaza Strip raised strong concerns not only in neighboring countries but also in our ally the United States. Nevertheless, Israel is not slowing down its attacks, calling for “annihilation of Hamas,” and Hamas spokesman Osama Hamdan is also threatening, saying, “If Israel does not respond to the demand for a full ceasefire, Israeli hostages will not be able to return to their families alive,” and tensions are rising.
There is also a significant possibility that this war will spread throughout the Middle East. Iran, which sponsors all major armed groups in the Middle East, including Hamas, Lebanese Hezbollah, and Yemeni Houthis, appears intent on using this war as an opportunity to expand its influence in the Middle East. Israel also has a firm intention to attack not only Hamas but also Hezbollah in Lebanon, which borders Lebanon. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on the 7th, “Israel is waging a ‘war against the Axis,’ not a ‘single enemy’ (Hamas),” and expressed his intention to engage in a multi-faceted war with Hamas and Hezbollah.
Cairo =
Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.