More than 30,000 people have lost their lives in Gaza since the start of the Israel-Hamas conflict in October, according to the health ministry in the besieged enclave. This grim milestone comes as international pressure mounts on Israel to cease fighting and amid fears of further bloodshed in the city of Rafah. The majority of the population in Gaza has been displaced due to Israel’s bombing and ground campaigns, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis.
Global calls for Israel to end the conflict have been growing, but the United States, its key ally and largest supplier of military aid, continues to support Israel’s campaign in Gaza. While the US proposed a “temporary ceasefire” at the United Nations, it has vetoed calls for an immediate halt in the conflict. This support from the US has allowed Israel to press ahead with its objectives, despite international pressure to reduce the intensity of their campaign.
The health ministry in Gaza does not differentiate between civilians and fighters but has reported that around 70% of the casualties are women and children. On the other hand, Israel estimates that approximately 10,000 Hamas fighters have been killed since the war began. On October 7, when Israel declared war on Hamas, more than 1,200 people in Israel were killed during Hamas’ attacks, and over 250 were taken hostage in Gaza.
It is important to note that CNN cannot independently verify the casualty tolls in Gaza or the Israeli estimates of Hamas fighters killed. However, according to Israel, more than 100 hostages remain in captivity, and they have vowed to continue their military operations in Rafah if the hostages are not returned by Ramadan.
Israel’s bombing and ground campaigns in Gaza have raised concerns among its Western allies, including the United States. President Joe Biden recently criticized the conduct of the Israel Defense Forces, calling it “over the top.” Biden emphasized the need for a credible plan to ensure the safety and support of civilians in Rafah. The US has proposed a UN resolution for a “temporary ceasefire,” but it has not supported immediate calls for a ceasefire by other countries.
The war in Gaza has not only displaced the majority of its population but has also resulted in severe shortages of water, electricity, and food. Access to life-saving care has been cut off, and hospitals have become battlegrounds, with many facilities no longer functional. The UN Humanitarian Affairs Coordination Office (OCHA) has warned that at least 576,000 people in Gaza are on the brink of famine.
The situation in Gaza is dire, with almost the entire population of 2.2 million people requiring food aid. The UN World Food Programme (WFP) reports that one in six children under the age of two is acutely malnourished, making Gaza the worst place for child malnutrition globally.
As the conflict continues, more and more displaced Palestinians have sought refuge in Rafah, resulting in the formation of a sprawling tent city. Hopes for a ceasefire-for-hostages deal have risen and fallen in recent weeks as diplomatic efforts to secure a pause in the fighting persist. While there are indications of progress, officials from Israel, Hamas, and Qatar have cautioned against optimism, suggesting that differences still need to be resolved.
This is an ongoing story, and further updates will follow.