Situation in the Middle East - Intensified Israeli army operations in Gaza
As the Israeli military operation in Gaza expands, criticisms of their tactics are escalating due to the impact on the civilians living there. Federal Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock emphasizes Israel's responsibility to alleviate civilian suffering, even during self-defense exercises. Humanitarian organizations describe the state of Gaza as devastating, using terms like "terrible suffering" and "horror."
Unsafe haven in Gaza
With bombings happening every ten minutes, no one feels safe, according to James Elder, the UN Children's Fund spokesperson. Elder finds the scenario "horrifying." In his words, "When I see one child after another being wheeled in, parents with severe war injuries screaming on stretchers – they are not safe, not even in hospitals or shelters." For the inhabitants of the Gaza Strip's southern region, the heightened risk of attacks is further exacerbated by their exhaustion from fleeing the north.
Inadequate humanitarian assistance and aid
The Israeli military alleges that the Islamist Hamas launches attacks from residential areas and hospitals, using civilians as human shields. The President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Mirjana Spoljaric, laments that no appropriate humanitarian assistance can currently be provided.
Displaced Palestinians in Gaza
UNRWA reports over 1.9 million internally displaced Palestinians in Gaza - a figure that represents over 80% of the population. Nearly one million displaced persons have taken refuge in 99 facilities in the coastal center and in Chan Junis and Rafah in the southern region. With over 2.2 million people residing in the Gaza Strip, this is a densely populated area, slightly smaller than Munich.
Trigger behind the war
The ongoing conflict was initially sparked by the most severe massacre in Israeli history, carried out by terrorists connected to Hamas and other extremist groups on October 7 near the Gaza Strip border. Over 1,200 people were left dead, including at least 850 civilians.
Casualty figures in Gaza
According to the Hamas-controlled Ministry of Health, the death toll in Gaza now stands at almost 15,900. Over 42,000 people have been injured as a direct result of the Israeli counter-attacks. While the numbers cannot be independently verified, they are expected to be largely accurate, as the ministry's estimations have proven credible in the past.
Germany's call for Israeli humanitarian aid
The German Foreign Office spokesperson expressed concern over the expansion of the conflict, which now includes areas where civilians sought refuge. With the humanitarian situation deteriorating, they are urging necessary humanitarian aid, including fuel, to be granted access to the Gaza Strip. Israel imposed a blockade on the Gaza Strip following the October 7 terrorist attack.
Baerbock to Israel: Ensure civilian wellbeing in Gaza
At a Green parliamentary group conference, Baerbock urged Israel to consider how the right to self-defense is implemented with due attention to the alleviation of civilian suffering.
Israel's ongoing war against Hamas in the north
Israel's declared mission is to dismantle Hamas' leadership and militaristic abilities. Despite the ceasefire on Friday, Israel intensified its operations against Hamas in the north. Conflicts persist in the north, as Hamas has yet to be completely defeated militarily.
Israeli military targets attack in Gaza Strip
The Israeli army claimed to have attacked 200 Hamas targets in the Gaza Strip on a recent night. The objective included a school in the north, which Hamas had used for launching attacks against Israeli soldiers.
Across the Border
Extremist Palestinians fired rockets towards Israel, triggering alarms in the nearby border towns. The army documented bombardment attacks originating from Lebanon, injuring three Israeli soldiers. After responding to the attacks, Israel targeted the sources of the fire.
Conflicts escalate in the West Bank
Meanwhile, tensions remain high in the West Bank, where the Israeli army and police carried out a raid in Kalkilia, leading to two militant Palestinian deaths. According to the Israeli forces, they were labeling the deceased as terrorists. An additional fatality occurred during an operation nearby Ramallah, attributed to armed encounters.
