Medics in Gaza warned on Sunday that thousands could die as hospitals packed with wounded people ran desperately low on fuel and basic supplies. Hospitals in Gaza are expected to run out of generator fuel within two days, endangering the lives of thousands of patients.
Dire Conditions in Gaza Hospitals
The UN agency for Palestinian refugees expressed that an unprecedented humanitarian catastrophe is unfolding in Gaza. The capacity of schools and facilities providing shelter is exceeded, and water supplies are dwindling. Gaza hospitals, such as Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis, are overwhelmed with wounded patients, especially children. Fuel shortages threaten the operation of critical care facilities, endangering lives. On the other hand, the UN’s sole power plant in Gaza shut down due to a complete Israeli seal-off of the territory following the Hamas attack.
Ongoing Rocket Attacks from Gaza
Hamas continued its rocket attacks on Israel, leading to evacuations in the southern Israeli city of Sderot. Israel launched airstrikes in response, targeting military installations and rocket launchers.
A week of blistering airstrikes have demolished entire neighborhoods but failed to stem militant rocket fire into Israel. The Gaza Health Ministry said 2,670 Palestinians have been killed and 9,600 wounded since the fighting erupted.
Israeli Forces Prepare for Broad Campaign as US Warships Deploy
Israeli forces, supported by a growing deployment of US warships in the region, positioned themselves along Gaza’s border and drilled for what Israel said would be a broad campaign to dismantle the militant group. Israel has called up military reserves and deployed troops and tanks along the Gaza border, but no specific timetable for a ground invasion has been announced.
Several Hamas officials have been killed in the fighting, and about 360,000 reservists have been called up in Israel. An Israeli drone fired missiles in south Lebanon, near a Lebanese army center, but caused no casualties.
Escalation of Conflict along Israel’s Northern Border
Fighting along Israel’s border with Lebanon intensified, with Hezbollah militants firing rockets and an anti-tank missile. Israel responded with airstrikes and shelling, resulting in casualties on both sides of the border.
Escalation in Lebanon as Hezbollah Fires Rockets
Hezbollah fired rockets toward an Israeli military position in retaliation for Israeli shelling that killed a Reuters videographer and two Lebanese civilians. Hezbollah stated that this escalation serves as a warning and does not indicate their entry into the war.
Efforts to Reopen Egypt’s Rafah Crossing
Efforts are currently underway to reopen Egypt’s Rafah crossing with Gaza to allow foreigners to leave and humanitarian aid to enter. However, the crossing remains closed as Israel demands the return of captives for lifting the siege.
US Special Envoy for Middle East Humanitarian Issues Appointed
With the situation in Gaza growing increasingly desperate, the US named David Satterfield as the special envoy for Middle East humanitarian issues. His role will focus on getting humanitarian assistance to Palestinians in Gaza.
This conflict marks the deadliest of the five Gaza wars for both Israelis and Palestinians. More than 1,400 Israelis were killed, and at least 155 others were captured by Hamas. The US State Department works to prevent a broader regional conflict.
(With AP Inputs)