It has been nearly two weeks of intense bombardment in the Gaza Strip as the situation has been escalating. Israel’s retaliation to the Hamas atrocities has left the region in a state of chaos and destruction. The recent reports from U.N. agency Pegas indicate that a total of 190 Palestinians have been killed and over 1,400 wounded in the past 14 days.
The crisis began when a series of rockets were launched from the Gaza Strip towards Israeli towns and cities, leading to the deaths of Israeli citizens. In response, Israel attacked Gaza with air strikes and a ground invasion. Israel claims that it is simply defending its citizens after Palestinian militants launched over 1,400 rockets into Israel since May 10.
The need to end the conflict is pressing, as civilians in Gaza are crumbling under the intense bombardment. Nearly 100,000 people have been displaced and humanitarian agencies, including UNRWA (United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East), have described the situation as “catastrophic”. Unrelenting airstrikes have heavily damaged more than 1,200 buildings, resulting in a multitude of casualties and leaving many without essential services, such as food, water, and electricity.
The international community is urging for a ceasefire, but there appears to be little hope in ending the conflict as both sides remain defiant and committed to their positions. As bombs continue to rain down, a catastrophic humanitarian situation is only likely to grow worse. The only hope lies in finding a peaceful resolution, which would be the only way to halt the crisis. Until that comes, the people of Gaza will continue to suffer in the midst of this devastating conflict.