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
* In what ways is the destruction of infrastructure in Gaza, particularly hospitals and schools, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis?
**Interviewer:** We’re joined now by Dr. Ahmed Khalil, a leading humanitarian aid worker with experience in the Gaza Strip. Dr. Khalil, the conflict between Israel and Hamas has entered its fourth month, with a devastating toll on both sides. Can you paint a picture of the situation in Gaza right now?
**Dr. Khalil:** The situation in Gaza is dire, to put it mildly. The death toll has tragically surpassed 24,000 [[1](https://apnews.com/article/israel-hamas-war-live-updates-01-15-2024-966bd5a9375e7439dd3de5fc113a7e7d)]. This densely populated territory, home to 2.3 million people, is facing a humanitarian catastrophe. The ongoing airstrikes have destroyed infrastructure, leaving countless families without homes, access to basic necessities like clean water and healthcare, and facing constant fear for their lives.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the impact on infrastructure. How severely has it been affected?
**Dr. Khalil:** The damage is widespread and crippling. Hospitals are overwhelmed, struggling to cope with the influx of injured. Schools have been decimated, denying children any semblance of normalcy. The power grid is severely damaged, resulting in rolling blackouts, further compounding the suffering.
**Interviewer:** The international community has called for a ceasefire. What needs to happen to bring this conflict to an end and begin the long process of rebuilding?
**Dr. Khalil:** A ceasefire is absolutely essential, but it’s only the first step. We need a sustainable political solution that addresses the root causes of this conflict, guarantees the safety and dignity of the Palestinian people, and allows for the reconstruction of Gaza. The international community must play a crucial role in mediating, providing humanitarian aid, and holding all parties accountable for their actions. The human cost of this conflict is simply too high, and we can’t afford to allow it to drag on any longer.
