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
How can the international community leverage diplomacy and political pressure to broker a ceasefire and initiate a lasting peace process in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict?
## Interview Transcript: Gaza Crisis Deepens
**Host:** We are joined today by [Guest Name], a [Guest Title/Expertise] with firsthand knowledge of the ongoing crisis in Gaza.
Thank you for being with us.
**Guest:** My pleasure.
**Host:** The situation in Gaza seems dire. Over 2,500 children are in desperate need of medical evacuation, according to UNICEF. Can you speak to the humanitarian situation on the ground?
**Guest:** It’s truly heartbreaking. The bombardment has crippled Gaza’s already fragile healthcare system. Hospitals are overflowing, supplies are dwindling, and the constant threat of violence makes it incredibly dangerous to even try and reach medical facilities. [1](https://abcnews.go.com/International/live-updates/israel-gaza-lebanon-live-updates-idf-prepares-beirut/?id=116191649)
**Host:** We’ve heard reports of over 1,200 fatalities in Gaza since the Israeli retaliatory strikes began. What is the impact of this loss of life on the community?
**Guest:** The devastation is immense.
Beyond the immeasurable human cost, the fear and trauma are palpable. Families are torn apart, homes are destroyed, and the psychological impact on children, especially, will be felt for generations to come.
**Host:** While Israel’s response is driven by the horrific attack that Hamas perpetrated, isn’t there a responsibility to protect civilians, especially children, during conflict?
**Guest:** Absolutely. International law emphasizes the protection of civilians in armed conflict.
The indiscriminate bombardments targeting densely populated areas make it incredibly difficult to ensure civilian safety. This conflict demands a renewed commitment to humanitarian principles and a ceasefire to allow for the delivery of essential aid.
**Host:** What needs to happen to de-escalate this conflict and address the urgent humanitarian needs in Gaza?
**Guest:** A ceasefire is paramount. International pressure needs to be intensified to bring all sides to the negotiating table. We need a cessation of hostilities to allow humanitarian organizations access to provide life-saving assistance to those suffering in Gaza.
Furthermore, a long-term solution is essential. Addressing the root causes of this conflict requires a political process that tackles the legitimate grievances of both Israelis and Palestinians.
**Host:** Thank you for your time and insights, [Guest Name].
