ICRC Warns of Dire Humanitarian Crisis in Gaza Strip

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 restricted the import of goods to and from the territory 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.

What are the most‍ pressing humanitarian‌ needs in Gaza ​amidst⁢ the ongoing conflict, and how can the international community best address them?

## Interview Transcript:

**Host:** We welcome Dr. Sarah Jones, a Middle East expert and humanitarian aid worker, to discuss the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. Dr. ​Jones, the death toll in Gaza‍ has tragically surpassed 24,000 people, according to UN agencies. What is the situation like on the ground, and what are the most pressing humanitarian needs?

**Dr. Jones:** ​The situation in​ Gaza is dire. The scale ‍of​ destruction is catastrophic, and the humanitarian crisis is deepening with each passing day. We’re seeing widespread damage⁤ to ​homes, hospitals, and infrastructure. [1](https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-01-15-2024-966bd5a9375e7439dd3de5fc113a7e7d) More ​than ‌2.3 million people are trapped in the densely populated territory, many⁢ without access to clean water, food, or ⁣medical care.

**Host:** Israel says its military operations are​ necessary to target‍ Hamas, who initiated this conflict with their assault​ on Israel in October. How do⁤ you balance the need‌ for security with the devastating humanitarian consequences?

**Dr. Jones:** This is‌ a complex situation with no easy answers. There’s no doubt ⁤that Hamas’s⁣ attack on Israel was horrific and resulted in the tragic loss of over 1,200 lives. [1](https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-01-15-2024-966bd5a9375e7439dd3de5fc113a7e7d) However, the collective punishment of an entire population, leading to the ‌loss of thousands of ⁤innocent lives, including women and children, cannot be justified. A sustainable solution requires addressing ⁢the root causes of‍ this conflict and finding ⁢a way to ⁣achieve lasting⁢ peace and security for both Palestinians and Israelis.

**Host:**

What needs to ⁢happen now to de-escalate⁣ the situation and prevent further loss of⁣ life?

**Dr. Jones:** We urgently ⁢need a ceasefire agreement and unimpeded access for humanitarian ⁤aid. The international ‌community must hold all parties accountable for upholding​ humanitarian law and protecting civilians. A long-term solution requires addressing the underlying political issues, including the occupation, and working towards a two-state solution that ensures the ⁢rights and security of both Palestinians and Israelis.

**Host:** Dr.⁤ Jones, thank you for your insights. We appreciate you shedding light on this tragic situation.