At least 52,810 people have died in Gaza since Israel began its military operations in October 2023, according to the Health Ministry in the Palestinian enclave. The ongoing violence has left Gaza in crisis, with thousands more injured and many still missing.
23 More Killed in Latest Strikes
On Saturday, Gaza’s Health Ministry reported that 23 Palestinians died in Israeli airstrikes in the last 24 hours. Another 124 people were injured during the same period. These attacks bring the total number of injuries since the start of the conflict to 119,473.
The Ministry added that many victims are still under rubble or lying in the streets. Emergency teams are unable to reach them due to continued shelling and road damage.
Attacks Resume After Ceasefire Collapse
Israeli forces resumed large-scale operations in Gaza on March 18, 2024. This came after a brief ceasefire and prisoner exchange agreement that started in January. Since March 18 alone, Israeli strikes have killed 2,701 people and injured 7,432 others.
The collapse of the truce marked a turning point in the ongoing conflict, pushing the humanitarian crisis to new levels.
International Legal Action Against Israel
The International Criminal Court (ICC) took major steps in November 2024. It issued arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and former Defense Minister Yoav Gallant. The charges include war crimes and crimes against humanity in Gaza.
At the same time, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) is hearing a genocide case filed against Israel. The case, brought by South Africa, accuses Israel of violating international laws during its military campaign.
Humanitarian Crisis Worsens in Gaza
The war has caused widespread destruction in Gaza. Thousands of homes, hospitals, and schools have been damaged or destroyed. Clean water, electricity, and medicine are in short supply.
The United Nations and aid groups warn of severe hunger and disease. Many families are living in crowded shelters or tents with no basic services.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for a permanent ceasefire and increased humanitarian access. He described the situation as “unacceptable and unbearable.”
Global Reactions and Calls for Peace
Many world leaders and organizations have condemned the violence. Some have demanded accountability for civilian deaths and destruction.
Human rights groups, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, are documenting potential violations of international law. These include the targeting of residential areas and the use of heavy weapons in densely populated zones.
The conflict has also sparked global protests. Demonstrators in cities like London, New York, and Berlin have called for an end to the war and support for Palestinian civilians.
Background of the Conflict
The conflict began after a major escalation in October 2023. Tensions between Israeli forces and Palestinian groups grew following incidents in East Jerusalem and the West Bank. These events led to airstrikes, ground operations, and cross-border attacks.
The humanitarian cost has been immense. According to health officials in Gaza, most of the victims are women and children. Hospitals are struggling to cope with the high number of casualties.
Israel says its operations target militant groups. However, critics argue that the scale and intensity of the attacks have caused widespread civilian harm.
What Comes Next?
Diplomatic efforts to end the war have so far failed. Peace talks have stalled, and there is no clear path forward. The United States, Egypt, and Qatar have all tried to mediate, but without success.
Observers warn that the war could drag on for months if no agreement is reached. The longer it continues, the higher the cost in human lives.
