Military action initiated by Israel in Gaza City, as reported by the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF)
In the past few months, the situation in Gaza has taken a dire turn. The World Food Programme (WFP) has recently declared a famine in Gaza, with the International Peace and Cooperation Organization (IPC) confirming the news less than two weeks ago. This alarming development comes amidst a surge in malnutrition-related deaths, with 185 adults and children losing their lives in August - the highest number in months.
The crisis has been exacerbated by the Israeli government's siege of Gaza, which has restricted the flow of food and other essential supplies. This blockade has been a significant factor in the food crisis and resulting famine.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has approved the military's plans to seize Gaza City, with Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir, Israel Defense Forces Chief of the General Staff, making the announcement last month. The ground operation in Gaza City has now commenced.
The Israeli government's demands for a ceasefire include the release of all hostages being held by Hamas, Hamas giving up control of governing the Gaza Strip, and Hamas leaving the strip. However, the proposed truce does not guarantee a permanent ceasefire, something Hamas has called for in several rounds of negotiations.
The conflict has taken a heavy toll on civilians. In the last 24 hours alone, at least 76 people were killed and 281 were injured in the Gaza Strip. Among those killed were 12 people trying to get humanitarian aid and another 90 were injured.
The situation is so dire that some aid workers in Gaza are risking being shot just to feed their families due to repeated deadly shootings around aid distribution centers. According to the United Nations, hundreds of people have been killed in shootings around these centres.
Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz has warned that Gaza City could be destroyed by Israeli strikes unless Hamas agrees to Israel's terms for a ceasefire. Katz compared Gaza City to Rafah and Beit Hanoun, areas that were destroyed by Israeli strikes.
The Israeli government's proposed plan to end the conflict includes the military takeover of Gaza City, evacuation of civilians, and the humanitarian support of displaced persons within Gaza. This plan also includes the establishment of Israeli security control over Gaza accompanied by an alternative civilian administration that is neither run by Hamas nor the Palestinian Authority, to govern for an indefinite period.
Since Oct. 7, 2023, at least 361 people have died of malnutrition in Gaza, with 130 of them being children. Thirteen people, including three children, starved to death over the past 24 hours across Gaza.
The situation in Gaza continues to escalate, with no end in sight. The international community must urgently respond to prevent further loss of life and ensure the delivery of much-needed aid to the people of Gaza.
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