By Joe Aura
The Gaza War has been ongoing for the more than a week and has been horrific for Palestinians, Israelis, and the watching world. The conflict began on October 7th, 2023, when Hamas launched an unprecedented assault on Israel, with hundreds of gunmen infiltrating communities near the Gaza Strip . The surprise attack was followed by severe air attacks by the superior military of Israel.
The humanitarian aspect of the war is devastating. According to the UN, at least 2,104 Palestinians have died, including 1,462 civilians, of whom 495 were children and 253 women. Israel has said it killed at least 225 militants during the fighting. The supplies in Gaza Strip may not last more than a day as negotiations continue between Israel, the United States, Egypt, and others for the delivery of aid in Gaza. Gaza is being leveled as we speak.
When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. The leaders of both sides seek pride and redemption for their people but end up creating havoc and death for them. Many nations have already taken sides – The U.S condemning what they called an act of terrorism from Hamas and the U.A.E in full support of the course to ‘Free Palestines’ . It almost seems like a holy war.
From Baghdad and Amman to Jakarta and Islamabad, large crowds have gathered to denounce Israel’s heavy bombardment of the Gaza Strip. Protesters have waved Palestinian flags and chanted slogans such as “Free Palestine” and “Crush the Zionists”.
The United Nations has expressed deep concern for all civilians in the Gaza Strip following Israel’s order for the entire population there to leave. The U.N. said about 1 million Gaza residents have been displaced in just a week. About half of them are finding refuge in schools and other facilities where water supplies are diminishing. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a humanitarian organization that aims to protect and aid victims of conflicts. It has been in Israel and the occupied territories since 1967. The organization is asking for donations to improve access to essential services like water and to support livelihood projects. Doctors Without Borders is a nongovernmental organization that provides humanitarian aid to people affected by conflict, disease outbreaks, and natural and human-made disasters. The agency is seeking donations to continue providing medical care in the area.