No power supply, food and water crisis, over 3 lakh displaced, and more than 1,100 dead – the Gaza Strip is facing its worst nightmare as Israel retaliates against Hamas’ recent attack. The situation in the densely populated Gaza Strip, where more than 2 million people are caught in the crossfire, is expected to worsen as Israel intensifies its counterstrike.
According to a report by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), 1,100 people have been killed in Gaza since October 7, including 171 women and 326 children. Over 5,000 people are injured, and 12 UN staff members have lost their lives. Israel has targeted densely populated areas in Gaza, including civilian buildings that it claims were being used by Hamas.
In addition to its military offensive, Israel has imposed a complete siege on Gaza, cutting off food, water, and electricity supply. More than 3 lakh people have been displaced, and the power blackout has severely affected healthcare facilities in the Strip. Without electricity, hospitals are at risk of turning into morgues, according to Fabrizio Carboni, the Red Cross’s regional director for the Near and Middle East.
Energy Minister Israel Katz has stated that Tel Aviv has no plans to restore electricity supply to Gaza Strip until the Israeli abductees are returned home. The UNRWA report also highlights the worsening situation in emergency shelters, with over 2 lakh people seeking refuge in overcrowded schools. Food stocks are running out, a water crisis is looming due to damaged infrastructure, and health centers are struggling to operate without diesel reserves.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for crucial life-saving supplies, including fuel, food, and water, to be allowed into Gaza immediately. However, with borders closed and limited entry and exit points controlled by Israel and Egypt, the people of Gaza have no means of escape from the ongoing violence and humanitarian crisis.