Advocate Mehul Bansal, Jadetimes News
Adv. M. Bansal is an Advocate and a Jadetimes News Reporter covering legal news
The United Nations has raised urgent concerns over the humanitarian crisis in Gaza, revealing that approximately 70% of those killed in the ongoing conflict are women and children. This alarming statistic underscores the devastating impact of the recent escalation in violence between Israel and Hamas on the civilian population.
A Grim Humanitarian Toll
Speaking at a press briefing, Martin Griffiths, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, emphasized the need for immediate action to protect civilians and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid. He described the situation in Gaza as "catastrophic," with entire families being wiped out in the relentless bombardments.
"The scale of suffering is immense," Griffiths said. "We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe, with women and children bearing the brunt of the violence. This is unacceptable, and all parties must take urgent measures to protect civilians."
Escalation of Violence in Gaza
The conflict, which erupted last month after a surprise attack by Hamas on Israeli border towns, has resulted in a heavy exchange of airstrikes and rocket fire. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a series of military operations targeting Hamas infrastructure in Gaza, leading to widespread destruction in densely populated areas.
According to the latest figures from the Palestinian Ministry of Health, over 15,000 people have been killed in Gaza since the conflict began, with thousands more injured. The UN's estimate that 70% of these casualties are women and children highlights the disproportionate impact on vulnerable populations.
Calls for Ceasefire and Humanitarian Access
The UN and various international organizations have repeatedly called for a ceasefire to allow humanitarian aid to reach those in desperate need. The ongoing blockade of Gaza has severely restricted the flow of food, medicine, and other essential supplies, exacerbating the crisis.
Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA), warned that the healthcare system in Gaza is on the brink of collapse. Hospitals are overwhelmed, with many operating at full capacity and facing critical shortages of medical supplies.
"The humanitarian situation is dire," Lazzarini said. "Without immediate access for humanitarian aid, the death toll will continue to rise, and countless lives will be lost."
International Response and Diplomacy
The international community has expressed growing concern over the rising civilian casualties, urging both Israel and Hamas to adhere to international humanitarian law. There have been renewed calls for restraint and the protection of non-combatants, particularly from the United Nations, the European Union, and various human rights organizations.
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who recently returned from a diplomatic mission in the region, reiterated the need for de-escalation and emphasized America's support for humanitarian corridors. "The loss of innocent lives, especially women and children, is heartbreaking," Blinken said. "We are committed to working with our partners to achieve a lasting ceasefire."
Israel's Position
The Israeli government, however, has maintained that its military operations are focused on dismantling Hamas' military capabilities and are conducted in accordance with international law. The IDF has accused Hamas of using civilians as human shields by embedding their military infrastructure within densely populated areas, making it challenging to avoid collateral damage.
In a statement, an IDF spokesperson said, "We are taking every precaution to minimize civilian casualties, but the responsibility for these deaths lies with Hamas, which continues to launch rockets from within civilian areas."
The Human Cost
Amid the ongoing conflict, ordinary citizens in Gaza are struggling to survive. Families have been forced to flee their homes, seeking refuge in overcrowded shelters, schools, and hospitals. According to UNICEF, nearly half of Gaza's population is under the age of 18, and these children are facing severe trauma and loss.
Sarah Al-Soudi, a resident of Gaza City, described the situation as "unbearable." She and her three children have been living in a makeshift shelter for weeks after their home was destroyed in an airstrike. "We have nowhere to go, no food, no water. We are just trying to stay alive," she said, her voice breaking with emotion.
Calls for Accountability
Human rights organizations are calling for accountability, urging an independent investigation into potential violations of international law. Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch have both expressed concern over the high civilian death toll, calling on the International Criminal Court (ICC) to take action.
"The world cannot look away as the people of Gaza suffer," said Agnes Callamard, Secretary-General of Amnesty International. "All parties to the conflict must be held accountable for their actions, and we need an urgent international response to protect civilians."
As the conflict continues with no signs of a ceasefire, the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is reaching unprecedented levels. The UN's revelation that 70% of the dead are women and children serves as a stark reminder of the devastating human cost of the conflict. The international community faces increasing pressure to intervene and find a path to peace, as the people of Gaza endure yet another chapter of suffering in a long-standing conflict.
