His comments came as Israel struck the Hamas-controlled territory, which is home to 2.3 million people. people, after the attack on Israel organized by Hamas, during which more than 1.2 thousand were killed. people. Officials reported that more than 1,200 people were killed in Gaza during Israeli retaliatory strikes. people.
Hamas launched a surprise attack on Israel on Saturday, invading its territory and launching rocket attacks. Israel carried out retaliatory strikes on the Gaza Strip.
Hamas is the Palestinian militant group that rules the Gaza Strip and has been involved in several wars with Israel since taking over the Gaza Strip in 2007. The group has been recognized as a terrorist by Israel, the United States, the European Union, the United Kingdom and some other countries.
Hamas is supported by Iran, financing the purchase of weapons, supplying them and providing military training. Hamas has a political office in Qatar, where some of its leaders are based.
2.3 million people live in the Gaza Strip. people, but Israel, with the help of Egypt, has imposed a blockade on the territory since 2007 – it has restricted the entry of goods into the territory and their departure from it by water, sea or air, as well as the ability of the Palestinians themselves to leave the territory, except for a few tens of thousands of workers.
#ICRC #humanitarian #situation #Gaza #Strip #spiral #control
What are the potential humanitarian consequences of the ongoing conflict in Gaza?
## Interview: The Israel-Hamas Conflict
**Host:** We’re joined today by Dr. Anya Sharma, a Middle East expert at the Institute for Global Affairs. Dr. Sharma, Hamas’ recent attack on Israel brought unimaginable tragedy to both sides. Now, Israel is responding with airstrikes on Gaza, a densely populated territory. Can you shed some light on the situation?
**Dr. Sharma:** Thank you for having me. The current situation is incredibly dire. The attack by Hamas on October 7th, which resulted in the deaths of over 1,200 people in Israel [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel–Hamas_war)], was shocking and horrific. Israel’s response, while understandable given the scale of the attack, has already claimed the lives of over 1,200 people in Gaza [[1](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Israel–Hamas_war)]. This cycle of violence is causing immeasurable suffering to civilians on both sides.
**Host:** The situation in Gaza is particularly concerning, with 2.3 million people living in a very small area. How do you see this conflict escalating?
**Dr. Sharma:** The risk of further escalation is extremely high. The humanitarian situation in Gaza was already dire before the current conflict, and the ongoing airstrikes are exacerbating the crisis. We’re seeing shortages of food, water, and medical supplies. This creates a breeding ground for further instability and violence.
**Host:** What are some potential solutions or pathways to de-escalation?
**Dr. Sharma:** This conflict requires a multifaceted approach involving international diplomacy, humanitarian aid, and a long-term commitment to peace negotiations.
Firstly, an immediate ceasefire is crucial to prevent further bloodshed and allow for the delivery of humanitarian aid to Gaza. Secondly, international pressure on both sides is essential to encourage a return to the negotiating table. a sustainable solution requires addressing the underlying issues that have fueled this conflict for decades, including the status of Jerusalem, the right of return for Palestinian refugees, and the establishment of a viable Palestinian state.
**Host:** Dr. Sharma, thank you for your insights. It’s clear that this conflict demands urgent attention from the international community.
**Dr. Sharma:**
Thank you for having me.
