His comments came as Israel struck the Hamas-controlled territory, 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 the specific risks to the health and safety of Gazan residents during these blackouts, and how are these risks compounded by the ongoing conflict?
## A City in Darkness: Gaza Faces Ninth Blackout Amidst Conflict
**Host:** We’re joined today by Dr. [Guest Name], a humanitarian aid worker with extensive experience in the Gaza Strip. Doctor, thank you for being with us.
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** Thank you for having me.
**Host:** Gaza has been facing repeated power outages since the conflict began. According to CNN, this is the ninth blackout since the Israeli offensive started on October 7th [[1](https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-01-18-24/index.html)]. Can you describe the impact these blackouts have on the 2.3 million people living in Gaza?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** The situation is dire. These blackouts are more than just an inconvenience; they’re a matter of life and death. Hospitals are struggling to keep critical equipment running, families are left without light or means to cook, and water supplies are threatened.
**Host:** This conflict has already claimed the lives of over 1,200 people in Gaza, according to reports [[1](https://www.cnn.com/middleeast/live-news/israel-hamas-war-gaza-news-01-18-24/index.html)]. How are the residents coping with this trauma and loss, especially with the added burden of these blackouts?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** The people of Gaza are incredibly resilient, but even their strength is being tested. The psychological impact of constant bombardment, the fear for their loved ones, and the sheer exhaustion of living in this precarious situation is overwhelming. These blackouts only amplify their feelings of helplessness and despair.
**Host:** What are the most urgent needs right now for the people in Gaza?
**Dr. [Guest Name]:** We urgently need a ceasefire to allow for the safe delivery of humanitarian aid. People are running out of food, clean water, and medicine.
**Host:** Dr. [Guest Name], thank you for shedding light on this critical situation. Our thoughts are with the people of Gaza during this incredibly difficult time.