In a recent escalation of violence, Israel launched a series of airstrikes across Gaza, resulting in the deaths of at least 70 people, according to Palestinian health officials. The strikes have left many victims trapped under rubble and scattered on roads, making it challenging for ambulances and civil defense crews to reach them, as reported by the Palestinian Health Ministry.
This surge in violence occurred shortly after United Nations Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher criticized an Israel-initiated and U.S.-backed humanitarian aid distribution plan for Gaza. Fletcher denounced the plan as a "cynical sideshow" and a "deliberate distraction," describing it as a mere pretext for further violence and displacement of Palestinians. In his address to the U.N. Security Council, Fletcher urged the international community to consider how future generations will judge their actions—or lack thereof—in response to what he described as a "21st-century atrocity" occurring in Gaza.
The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has been exacerbated by the lack of aid deliveries since March 2. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification, a global authority on hunger crises, has warned that approximately half a million people, or about 25% of Gaza's population, are at risk of starvation.
Wednesday's airstrikes followed a deadly day in which at least 48 people, including 22 children, were killed in attacks on two hospitals in Gaza. NBC News crews documented the aftermath at the European Hospital in Khan Younis, where they found multiple craters, one of which had swallowed a bus in front of the hospital. Asma Abu Daqqa, a witness, described the scene as if "the earth split open and swallowed people." She expressed her despair, noting that there were no safe places left after the hospitals were targeted, and she was desperately searching for her children who had been inside during the attack.
Tomo Potokar, a British plastic surgeon present at the hospital, recounted being thrown off his bed when the strikes occurred. He reported extensive damage, including to the operating theater, emphasizing that the hospital had many patients who were already severely injured and in need of treatment.
The Israeli military defended the strikes, claiming they targeted an "underground" Hamas infrastructure beneath the hospital, which they described as a "command and control center." Israel has consistently used similar justifications for previous strikes on Gaza hospitals, asserting that Hamas uses these facilities to shield fighters and weaponry. However, Hamas has denied these accusations, and the U.N. has condemned the attacks as part of a "pattern of deadly attacks" that have brought Gaza's healthcare system to the brink of collapse.
Following the strikes on the European Hospital, many of the injured were transferred to Nasser Hospital, which also suffered damage from an Israeli strike. The attack left a large hole through the third floor and severely damaged a burn unit. Ahmed Ryad Seiam, a paramedic at Nasser Hospital, described the ward as "almost destroyed."
Since the conflict began with Hamas' attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 1,200 people and around 250 hostages being taken, Palestinian health officials estimate that nearly 53,000 people have died in Gaza.
The recent hostilities occurred during former President Donald Trump's visit to the Middle East, where he traveled to Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates. Trump is not expected to visit Israel during this trip. Palestinians had hoped that his visit might lead to pressure on Israel to reduce the violence. On a positive note, Hamas released Edan Alexander, the last known living American hostage, on Monday. Trump, speaking in Riyadh, expressed hope that more hostages would be released and stated that the people of Gaza deserved a better future.
This situation continues to unfold under the watchful eyes of international observers, with many calling for an end to the violence and a renewed focus on humanitarian relief for those affected in Gaza. The conflict, marked by severe humanitarian challenges and ongoing military actions, remains a focal point for global diplomatic efforts and humanitarian advocacy.