JERUSALEM. Palestinians in Gaza faced a grim and dire situation on Thursday as they lined up outside bakeries and grocery stores in the aftermath of overnight airstrikes and a near-total power outage. Israel’s military continued its offensive against Hamas, and there were concerns of an impending ground invasion. International aid organizations expressed grave concerns about the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
The ongoing conflict, sparked by a violent assault on Israel by Hamas militants, has already claimed the lives of at least 2,600 people on both sides, with no signs of a ceasefire in sight. Israeli military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Richard Hecht, told reporters that Israeli forces were “preparing for a ground maneuver” if ordered by political leaders, a move that could escalate the already devastating casualties in densely populated Gaza.
Palestinians fleeing airstrikes were seen running through the streets, searching for safety while carrying their belongings. Tens of thousands sought refuge in U.N.-run schools, while others found shelter with relatives or even strangers who opened their doors.
In a desperate attempt to secure essential supplies, long lines formed outside bakeries and grocery stores during the limited hours they dared to open. Gaza’s only power station ran out of fuel and shut down, leaving only scattered private generators to power essential services. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) regional director Fabrizio Carboni warned that the lack of electricity could have catastrophic consequences for hospitals, endangering the lives of patients, including newborns and the elderly.
Israeli Energy Minister Israel Katz stated that nothing would be allowed into Gaza until Israeli captives were released. He emphasized that “not a single electricity switch will be flipped on, not a single faucet will be turned on, and not a single fuel truck will enter until the Israeli hostages are returned home.”
After a brutal attack by Hamas militants that resulted in hundreds of casualties in Israel, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu pledged to “crush” the group, which has governed Gaza since 2007. A new war Cabinet, including opposition politicians, is overseeing the conflict, and Israel is under immense public pressure to eliminate Hamas rather than containing it within Gaza, as previous conflicts have failed to dislodge the group from the territory.
The United States expressed unwavering support for Israel, with Secretary of State Antony Blinken arriving in Tel Aviv to meet with Israeli leaders and planning to meet with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Jordan’s King Abdullah II. Blinken assured Israel of American support, saying, “We will always be there by your side.”
In Gaza, the Israeli military conducted overnight strikes targeting Hamas’ elite Nukhba forces, including command centers used by the militants who initiated the conflict. Other airstrikes killed commanders from smaller militant groups. The Israeli military, while emphasizing that it provides warnings before strikes, has adopted a tactic of targeting entire neighborhoods, leading to extensive damage.
Despite warnings, some Palestinians are unable to escape or find safe shelter, leading to civilian casualties and an increasing displacement crisis. The Palestinian Health Ministry reported that two Palestinians were killed in the West Bank during a funeral for three people killed in a settler rampage the day before, further heightening tensions in the region.
In response to the escalating violence, the United Nations reported a 30% increase in the number of people displaced by airstrikes within 24 hours, with 339,000 people now seeking shelter in U.N. schools and dwindling safe neighborhoods. Israeli strikes have destroyed 1,000 homes and rendered another 560 housing units uninhabitable. Water shortages and sewage system damage have added to the humanitarian crisis.
The situation at the Rafah crossing with Egypt remains dire. While Egypt has not officially closed the crossing, Israeli airstrikes have prevented its operation. Egypt is engaging in discussions with Israel and the United States to facilitate the delivery of aid and fuel through Rafah, the only Gaza crossing not controlled by Israel. However, Egypt has resisted proposals to establish corridors for Palestinians to leave Gaza, citing concerns about the potential influx of hundreds of thousands of displaced people.
The death toll in Gaza has risen to more than 1,350, according to the Palestinian health ministry, while the Israeli military reported more than 1,300 casualties, including 222 soldiers. Thousands of people on both sides have been wounded, further underscoring the severity of the ongoing conflict. Israel has claimed that approximately 1,500 Hamas militants were killed inside Israel, with hundreds of casualties reported inside Gaza.
The international community is watching with growing concern as the situation in the region continues to deteriorate, with hopes for a ceasefire fading amid the escalating violence and human suffering on both sides.
Si Venus L Peñaflor ay naging editor-in-chief ng Newsworld, isang lokal na pahayagan ng Laguna. Publisher din siya ng Daystar Gazette at Tutubi News Magazine. Siya ay isa ring pintor at doll face designer ng Ninay Dolls, ang unang Manikang Pilipino. Kasali siya sa DesignCrowd sa rank na #305 sa 640,000 graphic designers sa buong daigdig. Kasama din siya sa unang Local TV Broadcast sa Laguna na Beyond Manila. Aktibong kasapi siya ng San Pablo Jaycees Senate bilang isang JCI Senator.
