Since the commencement of the Israel-Hamas conflict on October 7, Gaza has witnessed a devastating toll, with the Ministry of Health reporting at least 19,453 Palestinian fatalities, predominantly comprising women and children. Additionally, 52,286 Palestinians have sustained injuries, and many remain unaccounted for, potentially trapped in debris. Urgency surrounds the evacuation of 5,000 injured individuals from Gaza to enable their treatment outside the war-stricken region. Currently, only eight out of 36 Gaza hospitals are operational, limiting healthcare services. The southern Gaza Strip shelters face a dire health and humanitarian crisis, prompting calls for international assistance in providing medicines and fuel. Approximately 85% of Gaza's population, nearly 1.9 million people, are internally displaced. In Israel, the death toll surpasses 1,200, including 36 children, with the majority occurring after Hamas initiated a massive assault on October 7. The Israeli military reports 129 soldiers killed and 704 injured since ground operations began on October 27, emphasizing the gravity of the situation.
Key Points:
1. The Israel-Hamas war, ongoing since October 7, has resulted in at least 19,453 Palestinian deaths in Gaza, with 70% of the fatalities being women and children.
2. A total of 52,286 Palestinians have been reported injured, and many remain unaccounted for, potentially buried under rubble.
3. The Gaza Ministry of Health has emphasized the urgent need to evacuate 5,000 injured individuals from Gaza for treatment outside the war-torn enclave.
4. Only eight out of 36 hospitals in Gaza are currently functional, and their capacity to admit new patients is limited.
5. The health and humanitarian situation in southern Gaza's shelters is described as "catastrophic" due to the spread of diseases and a lack of healthcare.
6. International institutions are urged to provide Gaza with medicines and fuel to resume hospital operations, particularly in northern Gaza, where services have been suspended due to attacks and siege.
7. According to the UN, nearly 85% of Gaza's population, or 1.9 million people, are estimated to be internally displaced, including those displaced multiple times.
8. In Israel, the death toll stands at more than 1,200, including 36 children, with the majority of fatalities occurring just hours after Hamas launched a massive assault on October 7.
9. During the collapsed humanitarian pause (November 24-30), 86 Israeli and 24 foreign hostages were released, and around 129 people are estimated to remain captive in Gaza, including foreigners.
10. Between December 16 and 18, at least 10 Israeli soldiers were killed in intense fighting in Gaza, bringing the total number of soldiers killed to 129 since the start of ground operations on October 27, with 704 injured.
(With Agency Inputs)
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