Amid escalating tensions, the Israeli army’s widespread destruction in the Gaza Strip has leftover 60% of homes and residential units razed, according to the government media office in Gaza.
The severe humanitarian crisis is compounded by the collapse of the health sector, with 26 hospitals and 55 health centers rendered inoperable due to targeted bombings. Tragically, thousands of bodies remain trapped under rubble, as civil defense teams struggle with limited resources and equipment.
Gaza requires 1,000 daily aid trucks and one million liters of fuel to initiate recovery. The international community is urged to address the dire situation, holding Israel accountable for the devastating consequences.
Continuation – Humanitarian Appeal:
The media office underscores the immediate need for humanitarian aid, appealing to the Arab and Islamic nations, the Arab League, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation to formulate an urgent rescue plan.
With over a quarter of a million families affected, the call extends to introducing fully-equipped field hospitals to save the wounded. Additionally, hundreds of pieces of equipment for Civil Defense and emergency teams are urgently sought to retrieve bodies still trapped under rubble.
“The residential units housed more than 50,000 families who lost their homes entirely, in addition to 250,000 housing units partially destroyed by the occupation,” it added.
Israeli Detentions in the West Bank:
Meanwhile, Israeli forces have detained 3,390 Palestinians in a series of raids across the occupied West Bank since October 7, including 260 during humanitarian pauses, report local NGOs. Arrests occurred through home raids and at military checkpoints, involving instances of coercion and hostage-taking. The detentions, marked by torture, beatings, and threats against detainees and their families, have contributed to heightened tensions in the West Bank amid the ongoing conflict.
Continuation – Humanitarian Pause and Prisoner Exchange:
In a move to de-escalate tensions, Israel and Hamas have agreed to extend a humanitarian pause in the Gaza Strip. This extension follows a series of releases, with 66 Israeli prisoners freed in exchange for 210 Palestinians during the initial pause. The situation remains fluid as both sides navigate a delicate balance in the midst of a complex and challenging conflict.