Politics Desk 23 Dec , 2023 02:30 PM GMT
UN warns no safe place for people of Gaza.
IDF preparing to expand operation against Hamas.
US pressuring Israel to protect civilians.
Smoke rises over Gaza, as seen from Israel's border with Gaza, in southern Israel
In a continued escalation of the conflict between Israel and Hamas, the United Nations Agency for Palestinian Refugees has issued a grave warning that there is no safe place for the people of Gaza. This comes as the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) declare their intention to expand their military operations into new areas. The situation has sparked international concern with the United States pressuring Israel to scale back its bombardment and prioritize the protection of civilians.
Yesterday, the United Nations Security Council passed a resolution calling for humanitarian pauses in the fighting, but the United States chose to abstain from voting as the resolution did not condemn Hamas.
Currently, the population of Gaza, numbering around two million, is facing a dire predicament, with most of its inhabitants being displaced. According to the Hamas-controlled health ministry in Gaza and corroborated by the Palestinian health ministry in Ramallah, the death toll has reached approximately 20,000, with another 18 lives lost recently due to Israeli artillery strikes targeting central Gaza.
Israel's expanded military operation is shifting its focus to central Gaza after claiming operational control of the north. The north has borne the brunt of the devastating onslaught, featuring the use of heavy 2,000-pound bombs purportedly supplied by the United States.
The approach to the offensive now raises questions regarding the continued use of such weaponry in central Gaza. Israel faces the challenge of targeting Hamas leadership while minimizing civilian casualties. Israeli officials maintain that the extensive presence of civilians near Hamas sites, including tunnels, has inadvertently led to the loss of innocent lives. Israel contends that it must employ substantial explosives to reach tunnel networks housing Hamas leadership, despite providing prior warnings to civilians and granting them time to evacuate.
However, the repeated displacement of Gazan residents means there is nowhere left for them to go. Many have already relocated multiple times, leaving them exhausted, hungry, and increasingly vulnerable. Moreover, the current weather conditions exacerbate the dire situation, with heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms adding to the hardships faced by the affected population.
The prevailing wind, relentless in its intensity, poses a significant challenge for those seeking shelter. Families, who find themselves living in open spaces, are particularly exposed to the elements, risking further harm from airstrikes. The scenario is worsened by the fact that hunger and starvation are pervasive among the population.
Amidst the chaos and devastation, it is an undeniable truth that the situation in Gaza is dire and has far-reaching consequences for its people. The ongoing conflict, exacerbated by inclement weather conditions and persistent displacement, necessitates urgent international attention to safeguard civilian lives and achieve a sustainable resolution to the crisis.
End of Article
No COMMENT ON THIS STORY
