JERUSALEM. The people of the sealed-off Gaza Strip are struggling to find safety as Israeli airstrikes continue to demolish entire neighborhoods, causing hospitals to run low on supplies and a looming power blackout. The dire situation has deepened the suffering in a war triggered by a deadly attack by Hamas militants.
The relentless airstrikes have reduced entire city blocks to rubble in the tiny coastal enclave, with the extent of casualties yet to be determined. This onslaught persists even as militants are holding an estimated 150 people, including Israeli soldiers, men, women, children, and older adults.
Israel has pledged an unprecedented retaliation against the Hamas militant group, which governs the Palestinian territory. This comes after Hamas fighters breached the border fence on Saturday and killed hundreds of Israelis in their homes, on the streets, and at an outdoor music festival. The conflict has already claimed the lives of at least 2,200 people on both sides and is expected to intensify.
The people of Gaza, where basic necessities and electricity were already scarce, face an even more challenging situation. After the attack, Israel halted the entry of food, water, fuel, and medicine into the territory. Gaza, a 25-mile-long strip of land home to 2.3 million Palestinians, was already sealed off from the outside world and relies on supplies from Israel and Egypt. The last access point from Egypt was closed following airstrikes near the border crossing.
As Palestinians sought refuge in U.N. schools and dwindling safe neighborhoods, humanitarian groups appealed for the creation of humanitarian corridors to deliver aid, warning that hospitals were overwhelmed with wounded and running out of supplies.
“There is no safe place in Gaza right now,” said journalist Hasan Jabar after three Palestinian journalists were killed in the bombardment of a downtown neighborhood housing government ministries, media offices, and hotels. “I am genuinely afraid for my life.”
Gaza’s power authority announced that its sole power plant will run out of fuel within hours, leaving the territory without electricity after Israel cut off supplies. Palestinians in Gaza had relied on generators to power their homes, offices, and hospitals, but now they have no means of importing fuel for these generators.
The U.N.’s World Health Organization stated that supplies pre-positioned for seven hospitals have already been depleted due to the influx of wounded. Doctors Without Borders reported shortages of surgical equipment, antibiotics, fuel, and other supplies at two hospitals it operates in Gaza. Gaza’s largest hospital, Al-Shifa, is reportedly running out of fuel within three days.
Israel has mobilized 360,000 reservists, indicating a potential ground offensive into Gaza, as public pressure mounts to topple Hamas, which has ruled the territory since 2007 and has remained firmly in control through four previous wars. Any ground operation would likely be prolonged and could involve the reoccupation of Gaza, at least temporarily.
Hamas has a history of operating as an underground insurgency in areas controlled by Israel, making the situation even more complex. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant has stated, “We will not allow a reality in which Israeli children are murdered,” vowing to use every measure at their disposal.
In a new strategy, Israel is urging civilians to evacuate entire neighborhoods, potentially signaling a prelude to a ground offensive.
The conflict’s devastation and uncertainty have driven desperation among Palestinians who feel they have nothing to lose under unending Israeli military occupation and increasing settlements in the West Bank, a 16-year blockade in Gaza, and what they perceive as global indifference.
The Hamas-run Interior Ministry reported the destruction of the entire al-Karama neighborhood in Gaza City, with a significant loss of life. Medical teams struggled to reach the area as all roads leading to it were destroyed.
In another neighborhood, Palestinian Civil Defense forces rescued Abdullah Musleh and 30 others from their basement after their apartment building was reduced to rubble. “I sell toys, not missiles,” Musleh said, tearfully. “I want to leave Gaza. Why do I have to stay here? I lost my home and my job.”
On Wednesday, waves of rockets rained down on the Israeli town of Ashkelon, causing panic and fear among its residents. Israel’s Iron Dome missile defense system intercepted at least one rocket.
In a new development, Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, fired anti-tank missiles at an Israeli military position on Wednesday, claiming to have killed and wounded Israeli troops. Israel confirmed the attack but did not provide information about casualties. In response, the Israeli army shelled the area in southern Lebanon where the attack originated.
U.S. President Joe Biden has cautioned other countries and armed groups against entering the war, while the U.S. is rushing munitions and military equipment to Israel. The region faces the risk of an expanded regional conflict.
As the conflict escalates, the people of Gaza are trapped in a dire humanitarian crisis, with an increasing number of displaced and wounded, dwindling supplies, and an impending blackout, deepening the suffering in a war that shows no signs of abating.
