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.
#ICRC #humanitarian #situation #Gaza #Strip #spiral #control
What are potential long-term consequences for Gaza following the conflict?
## Interview: Gaza Under Fire
**Host:** Welcome back to the show. Joining us today is Dr. Anya Cohen, a Middle East expert and professor of International Relations at [University Name]. Dr. Cohen, thank you for being here.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** The situation in Gaza is rapidly escalating, with civilian casualties mounting. We’re just receiving reports that over 1,200 people have been killed in Israeli airstrikes, following Hamas’ attack on Israel that claimed over 1,200 lives. Can you help us understand the context of these events?
**Dr. Cohen:** Absolutely. This latest conflict is rooted in a long and complex history of tension between Israel and Hamas, the militant group that governs Gaza. The recent attack by Hamas, which was unprecedented in its scale, has triggered a fierce response from Israel.
We’re seeing a devastating humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, a densely populated territory with 2.3 million people [[1](https://www.bbc.com/news/topics/c2vdnvdg6xxt)]. Access to basic necessities is hampered, and the sheer number of casualties is staggering.
**Host:** What are some of the key concerns regarding the situation right now?
**Dr. Cohen:** Firstly, the immediate need is for a ceasefire to prevent further loss of life. International efforts must be focused on de-escalation and providing humanitarian aid to those affected by the conflict. Secondly, there is a serious concern about the long-term impact on the already fragile situation in Gaza. The destruction of infrastructure and displacement of people will have lasting consequences.
**Host:** How do you see this conflict potentially impacting the wider region?
**Dr. Cohen:** This conflict has the potential to destabilize the entire region. It has already sparked tensions between Israel and neighboring countries, and there is a risk of the conflict spilling over.
**Host:** Dr. Cohen, thank you for sharing your insights on this critical situation.
**Dr. Cohen:** Thank you for having me.
