The humanitarian crisis in Gaza has reached catastrophic levels, with over 53,000 Palestinians reported dead since October 2023. The Israeli military’s ongoing offensive has led to widespread destruction, including the targeting of hospitals and essential infrastructure. Two of the last operational hospitals in northern Gaza, the Indonesian and al-Awda hospitals, have been encircled by Israeli forces, preventing movement in or out. The World Health Organization reports that only 20 of Gaza’s 36 hospitals remain partially functional, and nearly 700 attacks on health facilities have been recorded since the conflict began.
The blockade imposed by Israel has exacerbated the situation, halting the delivery of food, medical supplies, and fuel. Residents like Mahmoud al-Haw struggle daily to find food for their families, with many surviving on scarce portions of lentil soup. The United Nations reports that 1.9 million people in Gaza have been displaced, and the region faces imminent famine. The destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure has led to severe shortages of clean water, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks.
International human rights organizations have condemned these actions as violations of international law. Amnesty International describes Israel’s actions as evidence of genocidal intent, citing the forced displacement of Palestinians and the targeting of civilian infrastructure. Human Rights Watch has called for an immediate end to unlawful attacks on civilians and civilian objects, including medical facilities and water and sanitation infrastructure. As Rights Defenders, we urge the international community to impose sanctions on Israeli officials implicated in these violations and to support the efforts of humanitarian organizations in providing aid to those in need.
Sources:
https://www.thetimes.com/uk/politics/article/israel-sanctions-news-xthjrxh0n
