Gaza: Relentless Escalation and Humanitarian Agony—A Sector in Turmoil Amid Flimsy Ceasefire

Gaza faces renewed military escalation mere days after a fragile ceasefire took effect. On Sunday, Israeli airstrikes killed at least seven Palestinians and wounded scores, targeting crowded civilian areas and a camp for the displaced. Medical and rescue teams were unable to reach some victims due to the perilous conditions and the Israeli army’s classification of certain zones as “dangerous.”

In Rafah, the southern border, Israel launched artillery and airstrikes, citing threats and the destruction of tunnels and military buildings. However, Hamas denied involvement in these clashes and reaffirmed commitment to the truce, noting that communication has been lost with its fighters, leaving their fate unknown.

Israeli policy toward the Rafah border crossing has aggravated the humanitarian crisis, refusing to reopen the gate except for the handover of remaining hostage bodies. This stifles the movement of patients and the wounded, blocks vital relief teams, and complicates rescue efforts; Hamas regards this as a breach of the agreement.

On the humanitarian front, Egypt’s Red Crescent continues sending “Zad Al-Ezza” convoys carrying thousands of tons of aid, yet their delivery is hindered by border closures and logistical hurdles. The UN has tracked hundreds of trucks entering daily under the Sharm El-Sheikh agreement, with plans to ramp up supplies, although the aid vastly undershoots what Gaza needs.

Meanwhile, Gaza’s Ministry of Health has received bodies of the dead, some showing apparent signs of torture and extrajudicial killing—a charge denied by Israel. The ministry reports that since the war began on October 7, 2023, the death toll has surged to 68,116 with 170,200 injured, as more bodies are recovered daily.

The situation reflects a deepening political and humanitarian crisis, with blame exchanged between Israel and Hamas. Ordinary Gazans continue to bear the brunt of war, clinging to faint hopes for relief.