Gaza, 11 October 2023 (TDI): The situation in Gaza has been further compounded by disturbing atrocities, with new revelations coming to light following Operation Al-Aqsa Flood launched by Hamas on October 7.
The Defense Minister of Israel, Yoav Gallant declared that he “released all restraints” on Israeli troops in their fight leading to a significant escalation in the conflict.
The US President, Joe Biden characterized the attack as an “act of sheer evil” and confirmed that 14 Americans lost their lives during the bloodshed, while others were held hostage in Gaza.
According to Israel Army Radio, over 1,000 people have died in Israel, while the Palestinian Ministry of Health reports nearly 900 casualties in Gaza.
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Israeli officials estimated that between 100 and 150 hostages were currently held in Gaza. Nevertheless, it is pertinent to note that since the conflict escalated on Saturday, the toll has been devastating as a result of the Israeli attack on Gaza.
Moreover, the situation has escalated into a humanitarian crisis, with Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant ordering a “complete siege” of Gaza. This has resulted in the halt of critical supplies, including electricity, food, water, and fuel to the enclave.
The government in Gaza has issued a dire warning that the electricity supply is on the brink of complete cessation, greatly limiting their ability to provide essential services.
The United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has been forced to close all 14 of its food distribution centers in Gaza, affecting the livelihoods of half a million people who rely on vital food aid.
Gaza, one of the most densely populated places on Earth, with a population of approximately 2 million people in a small area, is now grappling with severe consequences.
More than half of its residents live in poverty, and nearly 80% depend on humanitarian assistance to meet their basic food needs.
The conflict has also spilled over into Lebanon bordering Israel. Anti-tank missiles were launched at an Israel Defense Forces military post near the Lebanese border, prompting Israel to strike inside Lebanese territory.
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Hezbollah, the Lebanese militant group, claimed to have fired “guided missiles” in response to the killing of three of its members. The also IDF reported shelling the area in Lebanon from which the missile was launched.
The IDF and Hezbollah have exchanged allegations of casualties resulting from these actions, but concrete figures remain unconfirmed.
Cross-border tensions further escalated as rockets were fired from southern Lebanon into Israel, and the IDF responded with heavy artillery fire.
The situation along the northern border adds another layer of complexity to an already dire and evolving conflict in the region.
This escalating violence underscored the urgent need for a cessation of hostilities and the restoration of humanitarian access to affected areas to prevent further loss of life and suffering.
International efforts to mediate and bring about a ceasefire are of paramount importance.
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