Israeli airstrikes and bombings on Gaza have claimed the lives of at least 51 Palestinians, as humanitarian organizations call for unrestricted access to deliver urgent aid. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is urgently demanding “safe and unimpeded access” to the war-torn region to provide critical humanitarian assistance.
On Thursday, an Israeli airstrike on a multi-story building in Gaza killed at least 10 people. Further fatalities were reported in the Zaitoun area, and in the central Gaza city of Deir al-Balah, where hundreds of thousands of displaced Palestinians are seeking refuge. Additionally, seven individuals lost their lives in Gaza’s largest refugee camp, Jabalia.
According to Gaza’s Health Ministry, 51 Palestinians were killed in the past 24 hours, bringing the total death toll to 45,936. At least 109,274 others have been injured over the last 15 months. The Ministry has also warned that hospitals in Gaza are on the brink of closing due to fuel shortages, with Nasser Hospital and Gaza European Hospital expected to shut down in a matter of hours unless fuel supplies are restored.
46,000 Dead, 2.1 Million Displaced, Ongoing Food Crisis
Human rights organizations report that approximately 2.1 million people in Gaza have been displaced multiple times due to the ongoing Israeli assault. These individuals are in dire need of food, medicine, and other basic supplies. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) stated that families living in destroyed tents are currently enduring severe conditions, with floodwaters rising to 30 centimeters in some areas.
Despite Israel’s accusations that Hamas has obstructed efforts for a ceasefire, Palestinian groups maintain that a ceasefire can only be achieved if Israel ceases its violence and withdraws its forces from Gaza.
The ICRC has echoed the call for “safe and unimpeded access” to Gaza, citing the devastating impact of ongoing heavy rains and flooding that have destroyed temporary shelters. The IFRC has reported that tents are now flooded, and living conditions have become unbearable due to the worsening weather.
Humanitarian Crisis Deepens Amid Rising Death Toll
The IFRC, citing UN data, highlighted the tragic deaths of eight newborn babies who succumbed to the cold and harsh conditions after being forced to live in tents without proper protection or heating. IFRC Secretary General Jagan Chapagain emphasized that these deaths “highlight the extreme severity of the humanitarian crisis” in Gaza.
Chapagain reiterated the urgent need for humanitarian access to deliver life-saving assistance, stressing that without such access, children will freeze to death, families will go hungry, and aid workers will be unable to save lives.
According to United Nations figures, over 330 aid workers have been killed since the beginning of the Israeli offensive in Gaza in 2023. The IFRC has also expressed grave concern over ongoing Israeli attacks on health facilities in Gaza, which have severely hindered access to medical care.
Critical Humanitarian Impact of Border Closures and Restrictions
The closure of the Rafah border crossing in May last year has had a dramatic impact on the humanitarian situation in Gaza, with only a trickle of aid reaching the region. Doctors Without Borders has warned that access to healthcare in parts of the West Bank has also been “severely impacted,” with a sharp decline in mental health among children.
Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts to broker a ceasefire continue, with the United States, Qatar, and Egypt working to secure a peace deal. Sources familiar with the negotiations have described the latest talks as the most serious attempt to reach an agreement to date.
Former US administration officials have urged President Biden to push for a deal before leaving office, with many in the region viewing the inauguration of President Donald Trump on January 20 as an unofficial deadline for a ceasefire agreement.
Steve Vitkoff, former US Ambassador to the Middle East, expressed hope that there would be positive progress on a prisoner exchange deal before Trump assumes office. However, as of now, no agreement has been reached.
