A Humanitarian Catastrophe
17,000+ Murdered Children
The aggression on Gaza since October 7th has resulted in a staggering and heartbreaking loss of life between confirmed deaths and missing people under the rubble.
Among these, the number of children whose lives have been cruelly cut short by occupation forces is over 17,000. This horrifying toll reflects war crimes of unimaginable scale, particularly in its impact on the most innocent and vulnerable. The sheer magnitude of child fatalities is a grim testament to the intentions of the Zionist terrorism.
The estimated loss is not just a statistic; it represents a catastrophic failure to protect children by the international community, who are the most defenseless in such conflicts. This situation is not only a humanitarian disaster but also a stark reminder of the urgent need for effective and lasting solutions to protect civilians, especially children, under all circumunstances.
The high number of casualties among children in Gaza underscores the brutal intentions and magnitude of this aggression, where the futures of thousands of young lives have been irreversibly shattered. It's a crisis that calls for immediate and concerted international action to prevent further loss of innocent life and to ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The global community must come together to address this terrorism committed by the Zionist occupation.
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The Untold Struggle of Women and Newborns in War-Torn Gaza
Imagine, how would you feel if you were in a place where even the basic necessities of life, like menstrual hygiene products or safe childbirth conditions, were a distant dream?
This is the harsh reality for women in Gaza, where the relentless conflict and blockade have turned their lives into a tale of survival against staggering odds. Menstrual pads, a basic hygiene essential, have become alarmingly scarce. Desperate and with no other options, women are using strips from tents or old clothes, exposing themselves to serious health risks such as infections. Clean water and private sanitation facilities are luxuries in overcrowded shelters, making menstrual hygiene a challenge that's both physically and emotionally draining.
The situation is even more dire for pregnant women. In Gaza, amidst the chaos of war, around 20,000 children have been born since the conflict escalated, often in conditions far from ideal for childbirth. Many of these births occur without the aid of anesthesia, subjecting mothers to intense pain and risk. This lack of proper medical care during childbirth isn't just a matter of discomfort; it can lead to severe complications for both the mother and the newborn. The stress and trauma of such conditions can also lead to an increase in miscarriages, stillbirths, and premature births. The lack of postnatal care and the scarcity of vaccines further endanger the health of these newborns, leaving them vulnerable to diseases in an environment where basic healthcare has been decimated by the conflict.
With hospitals and healthcare facilities often targeted or overwhelmed, many women are forced to give birth in unsanitary conditions, increasing the risk of infections. The United Nations reports a distressing scenario where maternal and newborn health services are severely disrupted, and the psychological toll of the hostilities has direct and sometimes deadly consequences on reproductive health.
This heart-wrenching situation poses a question to us all: How can the world turn a blind eye to such suffering? The struggle of these women and children in Gaza isn't just a series of statistics; it's a humanitarian crisis that calls for urgent attention and empathy. How would you feel if this was your reality?
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An Equal of Two or More Nuclear Bombs
Since October 2023, the Gaza Strip has been subjected to a bombardment of an unprecedented scale by occupation's air force, drawing alarming parallels to the nuclear bombings of the past. Occupation's aggression have led to the deployment of over 12,000 tons of explosives on Gaza, a figure that closely aligns with the explosive power of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima in 1945. This comparison is not just in terms of the quantity of explosives but also in the sheer scale of destruction and human suffering.
The Euro-Med Human Rights Monitor reports that the amount of explosives dropped on Gaza equates to the power of two Hiroshima bombs, exceeding 25,000 tonnes. The attacks have obliterated residential buildings, hospitals, schools, and other critical infrastructure, leaving behind a landscape of ruin and despair.
The situation in Gaza is being likened to some of the darkest moments in history, with parallels drawn to the World War II bombings in Dresden and the 1990s genocide in Bosnia. The extensive damage to civilian infrastructure has not only caused an alarming loss of life but also a significant displacement of the population, along with a complete collapse of essential services like healthcare.
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Unraveling the Dire Consequences of War on Public Health
In the midst of the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a critical health crisis is unfolding, underscored by alarming statistics and compounded by a severe lack of resources.
Consider this: there are over 54,866 cases of upper respiratory infections, which in a war-afflicted region with limited medical care, escalate from mere colds to potentially fatal pneumonia. The situation worsens with more than 33,551 cases of diarrhea, mainly among children. Without access to clean water and adequate medical aid, this condition, often easily treatable, can lead to life-threatening dehydration and malnutrition. Skin conditions, too, are rampant, with 12,635 cases reported, signaling the dire state of hygiene and increasing the risk of secondary infections in an already vulnerable population. The plight is further aggravated by 8,944 cases of scabies and lice. In the overcrowded and unsanitary shelters, these parasitic infections, though typically non-lethal, can lead to significant health complications. Additionally, at least 1,005 cases of chickenpox have been recorded. In a setting where malnutrition and compromised immunity are widespread, this common childhood illness can lead to severe and sometimes fatal complications.
Amidst this backdrop of disease and desperation, imagine the impact of a healthcare system crippled by over 364 attacks, a population of 2.2 million people facing crisis levels of acute food insecurity, and a staggering 93% struggling with hunger.
Each of these factors alone is a significant health hazard; combined, they create a perfect storm for a public health disaster. Can you fathom the gravity of this situation, where basic human needs for clean water, food, and healthcare are not just unmet but are a distant dream for many?
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The "War on Hospitals"
The situation in Gaza, particularly regarding the targeting of medical facilities, has reached a critical and alarming state. Reports from various sources indicate a systematic pattern of attacks on healthcare infrastructure, with grave implications for civilian safety and access to medical care.
According to health authorities, 15 ambulances and nine health institutions, including the Ministry of Health building and the Rimal Clinic, have been hit. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) also confirmed the killing of 16 medical personnel, the destruction of 18 ambulances, and damage to eight medical facilities. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that more than 60 ambulances and 160 health facilities were destroyed during the attacks. In total, 28 hospitals and 63 primary care centers became non-operational, severely limiting the ability to provide necessary medical care and evacuate the wounded.
The Union of Medical Care and Relief Organizations (UOSSM) reported a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Gaza, describing it as reaching 'a point of no return'. With 283 healthcare workers and 133 UN staff members killed, and the destruction of ambulance convoys, the capacity to treat patients is severely hampered.
In a specific incident, the Indonesian Hospital in Gaza was hit by a shell, killing at least 12 people. This hospital had been sheltering hundreds of displaced people and was located near a densely populated area. Despite claims by the occupation of Hamas using hospitals for military purposes, these allegations have been widely disputed and rejected by hospital officials and international observers.
Kamal Adwan Hospital in northern Gaza was also besieged, leading to an overwhelming crisis within its walls. Witnesses reported that anyone attempting to leave was being shot at by Zionist snipers.
Al-Shifa Hospital, Gaza's largest medical facility, faced repeated attacks, including bombing near its compound and targeting its solar panels, essential for electricity supply, and has been subject to assault, arrests, and harm of patients, especially neonates.
There are several more confirmed incidents and documentations about occupation forces targeting medical staff and facilities. You can help us writing our content through the Submit Content page.
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100+ Journalists Murdered So Far
The situation for journalists in Gaza and the West Bank has been particularly dire, with a total of 90 journalists reportedly killed until the date of this update. This alarming number reflects the intentions of the Zionist occupation to suppress the truth about their crimes in Gaza and the West Bank.
According to the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), there has been a significant loss of life among journalists, with the situation in Gaza being particularly lethal. The IFJ reports indicate that 86 journalists have been killed in Gaza since the 7th of October, making up a substantial portion of the total number of journalists killed worldwide in 2023. This situation in Gaza has been identified as one of the deadliest for journalists since the IFJ began recording such fatalities in 1990.
Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has also highlighted the grave situation in Gaza, noting that at least 13 journalists were killed while actively covering the Zionist crimes, with the total number of journalists killed in Gaza, irrespective of their work line, being 56. These figures reflect the real threat that journalists in Gaza face while performing their duties. The RSF has called for greater international attention and action to safeguard journalists and hold accountable those responsible for these deaths.
These reports paint a picture of shame on all international organizations advocating for freedom of speech and journalism. The loss of these journalists not only represents individual tragedies but also poses a significant threat to the free flow of information and the public's right to know.
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The 90th Journalist Killed by the Zionist Aggression, Samer Abu Daqqa from Al-Jazeera
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The Humanitarian Crisis and Siege in Gaza
Since the early 2000s, the Gaza Strip has been under a siege that has significantly affected the mobility, health, and overall well-being of its residents. Initially imposed to address what the occupation called security concerns, the blockade has evolved into a complex system of restrictions that severely limit access to essential goods, medical supplies, and humanitarian aid. This situation has been particularly challenging for vulnerable populations such as patients with chronic illnesses, women, and the elderly, who face dire consequences due to restricted access to necessary care and resources.
The complexity of the blockade extends beyond mere restrictions on movement. It has created a dire scenario where medical facilities in Gaza are under-resourced and overwhelmed, unable to procure sufficient medical supplies or offer adequate care. Patients suffering from serious health conditions often find themselves in a perilous situation, as the blockade hampers their ability to receive treatment outside Gaza. The process to secure permits for medical treatment in Israel or the West Bank is fraught with delays and uncertainties, exacerbating the health risks these patients face.
Women in Gaza have encountered heightened obstacles, particularly in accessing reproductive and maternal healthcare. The blockade's impact on healthcare infrastructure means that many women are deprived of essential medical services during pregnancy and childbirth, increasing the risk of complications. The elderly, too, face significant hardships, with limited access to healthcare services and medications critical for managing chronic conditions.
Since October 7, 2023, the situation has worsened dramatically. The announcement of a "total blockade" in response to "attacks" has led to even more stringent restrictions on the entry of food, water, medicine, fuel, and electricity into Gaza. This escalation has pushed the humanitarian crisis to unprecedented levels, with reports of acute shortages across the board. Compounding the crisis, there have been instances where Israeli civilians have intentionally blocked aid from reaching Gaza, further impeding efforts to provide relief to those in dire need.
The intentional blocking of humanitarian aid by civilians adds another layer of complexity to the already grim situation, highlighting the deep divisions and the palpable impact of the blockade of the conflict. This act not only exacerbates the suffering of Gaza's residents but also underscores the urgent need for a comprehensive solution that addresses the humanitarian needs of the Gazan population.
The siege of Gaza, particularly in its current intensified form since October 2023, serves as a stark reminder of the profound human cost of prolonged conflict. It calls for immediate international attention and action to ensure the provision of humanitarian aid and to find a sustainable resolution that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals affected by the blockade.
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Unprecedented Solidarity from People All Over the World
Shortly after the Zionist aggression on Gaza, a wave of massive protests and demonstrations of solidarity for Palestine swept across the globe. On November 30, 2023, demonstrators worldwide rallied to observe the International Day of Solidarity with the Palestinian People. These
protests condemned the occupation's war on Gaza and called for lasting solutions to the conflict.
The scale of these demonstrations was vast and widespread, with
significant rallies reported in various regions. For instance, on October 18, thousands protested in Sana’a, Yemen, against the occupation's siege of Gaza, showing their support for the Palestinian people. Similar massive protests were held in Tunis, Tunisia, on October 21, reflecting the global sentiment towards the plight of Palestinians. In Morocco, on October 15, 2023, thousands of Moroccans joined in a protest in Rabat, expressing their solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza.
These demonstrations were not isolated to the Middle East; they spanned continents, including parts of Asia, Europe, and the U.S., showcasing a diverse and widespread support network for the Palestinian cause.
Additionally, on World Human Rights Day, December 11, 2023, demonstrators around the world rallied once again to show their solidarity with Palestinians and to protest against the occupation's genocide in the Gaza Strip.
These events represent a significant moment in global political activism, with people from various backgrounds and regions coming together to voice their support for Palestine and to call for an end to the ongoing conflict and Zionist terrorism.
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1.9 Million Brutally Displaced
The aggression has resulted in massive displacement within the open-air prison of Gaza. The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNWRA) reported that nearly 1.9 million people, over 85% of Gaza's population, were displaced in horrible conditions since the Zionist bombardments began.
The Zionist forces issued several unreasonable evacuation orders to residents in northern, and then southern regions of Gaza, which were considered impractical by the United Nations due to the large number of people affected and the lack of safe evacuation routes. These orders are considered to be a part of the long-term systematic plan of the ethnic cleansing and expulsion of Palestinians.
Hundreds of thousands fled to southern Gaza, before figuring out the area is also equally targeted by air strikes, with most of them experiencing inhumane and hazardous conditions during evacuation, including lack of shelter, access to food, water, and electricity, and the spread of diseases.
A timeline of the systematic displacement by occupation forces could be very insightful to the reader. You can help us writing our content through the Submit Content page.
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An Alarming Spread of Infectious Diseases
According to reports, the occupation's aggression on Gaza has led to a serious humanitarian crisis, significantly worsening the spread of infectious diseases. Overcrowded shelters, some described by the UN as unfit for safe living, have become breeding grounds for these diseases. As detailed by the Palestinian health ministry, the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure, compounded by a restrictive blockade limiting fuel and medical supplies, has forced many to depend on contaminated water sources. This predicament is exacerbated by the accumulation of solid waste on the streets, creating ideal conditions for disease-carrying insects and rodents.
The health ministry reports indicate that in these overcrowded shelters, where displaced families live in close quarters under highly unsanitary conditions, there have been about 360,000 cases of diseases. The lack of safe drinking water and adequate personal protective equipment for medical staff further increases the risk of spreading infections.
This health crisis, as highlighted by various reports, is further intensified by acute food shortages and the looming threat of famine, endangering the lives of over 337,000 children under five and 50,000 pregnant women. The combined impact of hunger and disease in this challenging environment has created a dire situation that necessitates urgent humanitarian intervention and relief efforts.
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A Rescue Operation, or a Blind Killing Spree?
The occupation's forces recent engagements have sparked intense debate over their operational conduct, particularly concerning incidents that resulted in the tragic loss of their people's lives.
In the case of the Supernova festival near Re’im, internal reports emerged about an occupation's helicopter role in firing on the fleeing crowd, mistaking them as Palestinians fighters. While some sources, including Haaretz, suggested that the helicopter might have inadvertently harmed attendees, this was neither confirmed nor substantiated by occupation's police.
Furthermore, a distressing incident unfolded in Kibbutz Be'eri, where an "Israeli" tank was captured on video firing at their own civilian homes. This attack not only sowed panic among residents but also claimed lives, including that of a 12-year-old girl, Liel Hatsroni. Further reports and eyewitness accounts indicate that the tank assault led to the deaths of 12 Israeli noncombatants, including Liel Hetzroni.
This section can be expanded further with more events that happened during the aggression. You can help us writing our content through the Submit Content page.
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A Legal Landmark at the ICJ
As of late December 2023, South Africa escalated a major lawsuit to the International Court of Justice (ICJ), accusing the occupation state of committing genocide in its aggression on Gaza. This significant legal action is formally titled "Application of the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide in the Gaza Strip (South Africa v. Israel)" and has sparked widespread international interest due to its intricate legal and political dimensions.
The lawsuit alleges that the occupation violated the 1948 Genocide Convention, leading to over 23,000 Palestinian deaths, including nearly 10,000 children. Both the occupation state and South Africa are signatories to the Genocide Convention, which mandates countries to prevent and punish acts of genocide, defined as acts committed with intent to destroy, in whole or in part, a national, ethnical, racial, or religious group.
Several countries and international organizations have shown support for South Africa's case, including the Organization of Islamic Countries, Malaysia, Turkey, Jordan, Bolivia, the Maldives, Namibia, Pakistan, the Arab League, Colombia, and Brazil. Additionally, numerous advocacy groups and civil society organizations worldwide have echoed South Africa's call for justice.
Conversely, the United States and some of the occupation's Western allies, including the European Union, have either opposed the lawsuit or remained silent. The United States has openly criticized the lawsuit as "meritless and counterproductive."
At the ICJ, which is based in The Hague, Netherlands, and composed of 15 judges appointed for nine-year terms, the preliminary task is to determine if the court has jurisdiction in this case. This jurisdiction is usually established when the involved states recognize the court's power or are party to a treaty like the Genocide Convention.
The full judgement to determine whether the occupation has committed genocide in Gaza is expected to take years. The court's decisions are legally binding but lack direct enforcement power, relying instead on the United Nations Security Council for implementation.
The outcome of this lawsuit could officially prove the occupation's intention of genocide against Palestinian people. South Africa's legal action aims to classify the Israeli occupation's military campaign in Gaza as genocidal, potentially swaying international opinion and affecting future diplomatic relations.
The occupation has vehemently rejected these accusations, defending its actions as necessary for national security and criticizing what they claimed "South Africa's cooperation with Hamas!"
This lawsuit at the ICJ is a landmark case with potential widespread consequences, challenging the actions of a state under the Genocide Convention and testing the international legal system's capacity to handle such serious allegations. The international community is keenly observing as the ICJ handles this complex and contentious case.
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